Chicago – March 18, 2025
Republican lawmakers praised former President Donald Trump after he had a nearly two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a possible peace deal in Ukraine. They highlighted Trump’s efforts as a contrast to President Joe Biden, who they said had not made similar efforts to engage with Putin.
Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., expressed support for Trump’s diplomatic approach, saying he was “encouraged” by Trump’s willingness to work on a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, especially since Biden had not even tried to call Putin.
In response to the phone call, the House Foreign Affairs Committee stated that Trump was able to get Putin to agree that a ceasefire in Ukraine is needed. They also mentioned that Iran should not be in a position to harm Israel.
Trump’s conversation with Putin took place on Tuesday, and the White House shared a statement about the call, saying they discussed the importance of peace and a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, Democrats remained doubtful about whether Russia would actually follow through on any peace agreement.