Russia-Ukraine war updates: US official defends Trump’s peace push
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth defends President Donald Trump’s efforts to seek an end to the war with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Trump says Putin wants peace, will begin talks on ending Ukraine war
- United States President Donald Trump says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken by phone and agreed to begin negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Trump informed him about what was discussed with Putin and that he believes “America’s strength” could lead to peace.