On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump announced that peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war are officially underway. 

The war, which began three years ago when Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has led to significant loss of life and global economic disruptions.

Trump stated that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the conflict and also held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"I'm just here to try and get peace," Trump told reporters. "I don't care so much about anything other than I want to stop having millions of people killed."

Trump’s peace initiative includes back-to-back calls with both nations' leaders and the appointment of a negotiating team to work on a resolution as reported by MSN News.

 According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Trump "spoke in favor of an early end to hostilities and a peaceful solution to the problem. President Putin, for his part, mentioned the need to eliminate the root causes of the conflict and agreed with Trump that a long-term settlement can be achieved through peaceful negotiations."

Peace Talks Scheduled

Trump revealed on Truth Social that his administration is working towards a diplomatic resolution and announced a key meeting scheduled for Friday in Munich.

 "He, like President Putin, wants to make PEACE. We discussed a variety of topics having to do with the War, but mostly, the meeting that is being set up on Friday in Munich, where Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the Delegation," Trump posted.

In early December Trump met with Zelensky in Paris to advocate for peace.

Additionally, Trump’s team has been coordinating efforts for an upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia to meet with Russia separately.

On whether he viewed Ukraine as an equal member of the peace process, Trump paused before responding: "It's an interesting question. I think they have to make peace. Their people are being killed, and I think they have to make peace."

"I said that was not a good war to go into. And I think they have to make peace," he continued.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the administration's stance that the conflict must end to prevent further loss of life. However, he also acknowledged that certain objectives, such as restoring Ukraine’s pre-war borders or NATO membership, may be unrealistic. "Chasing this illusionary goal will only prolong the war and cause more suffering," Hegseth stated.

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Trump’s Negotiating Team 

Trump’s diplomatic approach involves a high-profile negotiating team, which includes:

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio
• Director of the CIA John Ratcliffe
• National Security Advisor Michael Waltz
• Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff

According to USA Today Trump described his conversation with Putin as "lengthy and highly productive." The Kremlin confirmed to The New York Times that the call lasted about an hour and a half and that Putin extended an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow.

"We each talked about the strengths of our respective Nations and the great benefit that we will someday have in working together," Trump stated.

The Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Until the 1950s, Ukraine was part of Russia, and the two nations have long disputed borders and resources. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, leading to international condemnation and sanctions. The Obama administration engaged in diplomatic negotiations at the time, but the conflict has persisted.

Zelenskyy has consistently called for full territorial restoration, but recent reports indicate he may be open to a territorial exchange with Russia. However, Russia has rejected such proposals.

Trump acknowledged the complexity of the territorial disputes, saying, "It seems unlikely Ukraine would see its borders return to pre-2014, although some of it would come back." When asked whether Zelenskyy should consider ceding territory, Trump responded, "Well, he's going to have to do what he has to do, but his poll numbers aren't particularly great, to put it mildly."

Security Guarantees 

While the U.S. has ruled out Ukraine joining NATO, Hegseth stated that Ukraine must receive "robust security guarantees." He suggested deploying a non-NATO mission of European and non-European peacekeepers to Ukraine but emphasized that the U.S. would not deploy ground troops.

Trump reiterated his commitment to peace, stating that he and Putin "agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other's Nations" and starting immediate negotiations.

"President Putin even used my very strong campaign motto of, 'COMMON SENSE.' We both believe very strongly in it," Trump said.

 Political Reactions

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked if Trump expected Ukraine to cede all disputed territory to Russia. "Again, these negotiations are ongoing," she responded. "I will allow the president to divulge any red lines that he may set."

During the ABC News presidential debate in September, Trump notably refused to state whether Ukraine should win the war, simply saying, "I want the war to stop."

Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Trump’s approach, saying, "I believe the reason that Donald Trump says that this war would be over within 24 hours is because he would just give it up. And that's not who we are as Americans."

As peace talks progress, the international community watches closely to see whether Trump’s efforts will lead to a diplomatic resolution.