Trump spoke on the phone with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine. In addition to "ceasefire, mutual visits, and repayment," they also discussed a major issue

On February 12, Eastern Time, U.S. President Trump had phone calls with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky in succession. This was also the first time Trump spoke with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine since taking office. After the calls, Trump stated that Ukraine joining NATO is unrealistic.

Russian presidential press secretary Peskov stated that the two presidents discussed the Middle East peace process and U.S.-Russia bilateral relations. During the call, Trump advocated for an immediate cessation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Putin agreed with Trump's view that a long-term solution to the Ukraine issue can be achieved through negotiations. Putin concurred with Trump's point that "there is a need for joint efforts at present" and expressed to Trump his willingness to host U.S. officials in Russia, including officials related to discussions on the Ukraine issue. Putin also emphasized that the fundamental causes of the conflict must be eliminated.

Trump and Zelensky Discuss Possibility of Achieving Peace

After speaking with Putin, Trump then had a call with Zelensky. Zelensky's office stated that the call lasted about an hour.

According to a post by Trump on social media, "The conversation went very smoothly, he (Zelensky) wants peace just like President Putin."

Zelensky stated on social media that the two "discussed the possibility of achieving peace and the willingness of both teams to work together." The call also covered Zelensky's meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Basant that day, as well as the preparation of the U.S.-Ukraine Economic, Security, and Resource Cooperation Agreement. Trump briefed Zelensky on the earlier conversation with Putin. Zelensky remarked, "Ukraine desires peace more than anyone else, and is currently working with the U.S. to formulate joint measures to stop Russia's actions and achieve reliable and lasting peace. Both sides agreed to further contact and discussions."

Zelensky also mentioned that they discussed Ukraine's technological capabilities, including drones and other "advanced industries."

On that day, Trump also stated that the U.S. has provided $350 billion to Ukraine, and Ukraine agreed to "ensure" the repayment of the funds provided by the U.S. U.S. Treasury Secretary Basant will travel to Ukraine to ensure that the U.S. can recover this money in some form.

U.S. Defense Secretary Says Ukraine's Restoration of Borders and NATO Membership Are Unrealistic

On the same day, the "International Liaison Group on Ukraine Defense Issues" meeting was held in Brussels, Belgium. U.S. Defense Secretary Haigseis spoke at the meeting, stating that the Russia-Ukraine conflict must end, and both sides must return to the negotiating table.

Haigseis also emphasized:

• Restoring Ukraine to its pre-2014 borders is unrealistic;
• It is unrealistic for Ukraine to join NATO after negotiating peace with Russia;
• Ukraine's lasting peace must be secured, but the deployment of military forces from European and non-European countries to Ukraine cannot be considered a NATO mission and is not protected under NATO's collective defense clause;
• The U.S. military will not be deployed to Ukraine.

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