Burc Eruygur
12 February 2025•Update: 13 February 2025
ISTANBUL
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that he held a “meaningful conversation” with US President Donald Trump and spoke "about opportunities to achieve peace."
Trump called Zelenskyy shortly after speaking by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I had a meaningful conversation with @POTUS. We long talked about opportunities to achieve peace, discussed our readiness to work together at the team level, and Ukraine’s technological capabilities—including drones and other advanced industries,” Zelenskyy said in a statement on X.
He expressed gratitude to Trump for his interest in "what we can accomplish together," adding their conversation also included his earlier talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Kyiv and "the preparation of a new document on security, economic cooperation and resource partnership."
“President Trump shared details of his conversation with Putin,” Zelenskyy said, arguing that no one wants peace more than his country.
“Together with the US, we are charting our next steps to stop Russian aggression and ensure a lasting, reliable peace. As President Trump said, let’s get it done,” he added.
He said they agreed to maintain further contact and plan upcoming meetings.
Zelenskyy-Bessent meeting
Less than an hour after his phone call with Trump, Zelenskyy announced holding talks with Bessent, who arrived in Kyiv as the first member of Trump's Cabinet to visit the war-torn country.
"We value our partnership with the United States, are grateful for the support in defending our independence, and strive to expand our joint capabilities—especially in security," Zelenskyy said on X.
“Security matters. Moscow and its allies cannot be allowed to gain control over Ukraine, and that means we must work together—across the free world.
"We received the U.S. vision for deepening our cooperation, discussed the substance of these proposals today, and are working toward a strong agreement. We expect to make progress by the Munich Security Conference," he added.
Earlier, Zelenskyy told reporters following his meeting with Bessent that his team received the first draft of a partnership agreement between Ukraine and the US.
"I really want our team to review this document, and we will do everything possible to study and sign it as soon as possible. The United States is our key partner. We will carefully examine all the details of this document in time for the Munich Conference because we do not want to waste time," he said.
The Munich Security Conference will take place this week from Feb. 14-16.
