On February 9, 2025, United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump stated that the government was making progress in negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump declined to disclose details of his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin but confirmed that they had spoken. If officially acknowledged, this would mark the first known conversation between a U.S. president and Putin since early 2022. Trump’s remarks come amid heightened diplomatic activity and speculation over a potential peace deal.

“I do believe we’re making progress. We want to stop the Ukraine-Russia war,” Trump told reporters. He indicated that communication channels were open with both Moscow and Kyiv but refused to elaborate on the specifics. The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, neither confirmed nor denied the reports of such talks, stating, “Many different communications are emerging. I personally may not know something, be unaware of something.” Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz also avoided providing specifics but acknowledged the presence of “sensitive conversations.”

The potential for a Trump-Putin summit remains uncertain, though Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to meet with the Russian leader. While no date or location has been confirmed, reports suggest that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are being considered as possible venues. Additionally, high-level U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Vice President J.D. Vance, are set to visit Europe in the coming days to discuss the ongoing war and diplomatic efforts.

The central question remains whether Trump can broker a peace deal that aligns with U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian interests. Moscow has signaled a willingness to negotiate but has maintained firm demands, including Ukraine renouncing N.A.T.O. ambitions and withdrawing from Russian-occupied territories. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has reportedly expressed openness to dialogue, telling Trump, “Let’s do a deal,” while also emphasizing Ukraine’s need for security guarantees and financial support.

Historically, Russia-Ukraine negotiations have been marred by mistrust, with past agreements failing to hold due to battlefield dynamics and geopolitical interests. The war, which began in 2022, has led to devastating losses on both sides, with Russia currently controlling significant portions of eastern Ukraine. While Trump has hinted at using economic measures such as sanctions and trade policies to pressure Putin into negotiations, the feasibility of a lasting peace remains uncertain. For more information, visit our Crisis Index page.

As diplomatic efforts continue, observers stress that any resolution must consider long-term stability, sovereignty, and regional security. With global powers closely monitoring developments, the coming weeks may determine whether Trump’s approach can bring an end to one of the most significant conflicts of the decade.