Trump Prepares for Talks with Putin to Address Ukraine War

President-elect Donald Trump is setting up discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with plans for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution to the nearly three-year conflict.

Mike Waltz, incoming U.S. National Security Adviser, expects a Trump-Putin call in the coming days or weeks, with a potential meeting after Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Trump has pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine war quickly, though his special envoy Keith Kellogg has suggested a 100-day timeline for achieving peace.
Waltz and Trump acknowledge that a complete expulsion of Russian forces from all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, is unlikely, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic solution.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s priorities for the talks include ensuring Ukraine does not join NATO and reducing NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing NATO membership as critical for Ukraine’s security while supporting efforts to end the conflict diplomatically.