U.S. and Russia initiate peace talks for Ukraine

The American and Russian presidents have agreed to launch discussions aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. Following a phone call, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin announced that their representatives would immediately begin negotiations.

Trump has appointed several high-ranking U.S. officials to lead these talks, expressing optimism about a positive outcome.

The U.S. president lamented the heavy human toll of the war and emphasized the urgent need to bring it to a swift conclusion. He also revealed plans for reciprocal visits with Putin to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

In a parallel development, the two nations conducted a prisoner exchange. Russia released Marc Fogel, an American detained on its soil, while the United States freed Alexander Vinnik, a Russian citizen held in U.S. custody.

This move appears to signal a step toward easing tensions between the two powers.