U.S. President Donald Trump announced a "lengthy and highly productive" phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they agreed to commence negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Both leaders have extended mutual invitations for future visits.

Trump indicated that their teams would begin negotiations immediately and mentioned the possibility of an in-person meeting in Saudi Arabia.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the discussion, stating that President Trump advocated for a swift cessation of military actions and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference to discuss the situation further.

Trump emphasized the urgency of ending the conflict, highlighting the unnecessary loss of life, and expressed blessings for the people of Russia and Ukraine.

While no specific date has been set for the meeting with Putin, Trump mentioned that it would "probably" occur in Saudi Arabia.

In discussions with reporters, Trump noted that it is unlikely for Ukraine to regain its pre-2014 borders but suggested that some territories might be returned.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment, stating that Ukraine's NATO membership is improbable.

BBC correspondent James Waterhouse in Kyiv observed that Hegseth's statements are a significant setback for Ukraine. The rejection of NATO membership, doubts about Ukraine's victory, and uncertainties regarding the control of a frozen front line represent notable diplomatic gains for Russia.

Despite President Zelenskyy's stance that "there is no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine," the recent Trump-Putin phone call occurred without his involvement.

In an interview with The Guardian, Zelenskyy proposed exchanging territories under Russian control for areas in Russia's Kursk region held by Ukraine as part of a peace agreement.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed this idea as "impossible," asserting that Russia will not discuss exchanging its territory and that Ukrainian forces will be expelled from the area.

Trump also spoke with President Zelenskyy following his call with Putin. The President has not yet decided on visiting Ukraine and suggested that Zelenskyy might not participate in the initial meeting with Putin. He indicated openness to a subsequent meeting and a potential visit to Ukraine.

Former President Joe Biden had refrained from engaging with Putin for nearly three years, considering it futile due to viewing the Russian leader as a war criminal.