**US and Europe Kept Talking to Russia During War**
The US and European countries kept in touch with Russia during the full-scale war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. This contact happened between intelligence agencies.
Zelensky spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 21. He noted that while official contacts were cut off after the war started in 2022, intelligence agencies kept talking.
This approach makes sense, according to Zelensky. “Diplomacy has to be a bit isolated,” he said. “Just like sanctions. If leaders don’t talk, but intelligence agencies are always connected, it might suit Russia.”
**Trump Plans to Talk to Putin**
US President Donald Trump plans to call Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential peace deal. Zelensky is not surprised by this move.
However, he believes that Ukraine should be the priority for US efforts. “We are the allies of the US,” Zelensky said. Trump’s new secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has confirmed that the US aims for a sustainable peace deal.
**Possible Consequences**
If Putin doesn’t come to the negotiating table, Russia may face fresh economic sanctions, according to Trump. The US will aim for a peace deal that will last, so the war with Russia won’t start again in two to four years.
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