US President Donald Trump interrupted his White House meeting with European leaders to call Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov described the 40-minute phone call as “frank and constructive.”
Ushakov stated, “Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump expressed support for the continuation of direct negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine.”
After the call, Trump announced that he had spoken with Putin and “began the arrangements” for a future meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin.
Key Outcomes of the Trump-Putin Call
The call produced several important takeaways:
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Trump spoke with Putin for 40 minutes.
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He briefed the Russian president about his Oval Office discussions with Zelenskyy and European leaders.
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Both leaders voiced support for direct Russia-Ukraine talks to continue.
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They also discussed raising the level of future negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.
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Putin praised Trump’s efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
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He thanked Trump for his hospitality during the recent Alaska summit and welcomed the progress made there.
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Finally, both leaders agreed to stay in close contact on Ukraine and other global issues.
Trump Pushes for Zelenskyy-Putin Meeting
Trump’s call with Putin came shortly after his meeting with Zelenskyy and several European leaders. He revealed that he had started preparing “arrangements” for a direct meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents.
This potential summit gained traction as Trump explained that he spoke with Putin after what he called a “very good” meeting with Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House. The discussions focused heavily on securing long-term guarantees for Ukraine’s safety, with European nations expected to play a central role alongside Washington.
A Possible Breakthrough in the Ukraine War
As talks advanced, hopes of progress grew among all sides. Trump’s push for negotiations signaled that Zelenskyy and Putin might finally sit down together for the first time since Russia began its full-scale invasion more than three years ago. Such a meeting would carry huge symbolic and political weight, given the long stalemate and the heavy toll of the conflict.
A Potential Turning Point
The proposed summit could represent a critical turning point in the war. Trump has consistently promised to “end the war quickly,” and this effort appears to be his most concrete step toward that goal. By initiating arrangements for direct talks, he placed himself in the spotlight as a mediator who could bridge the gap between Moscow and Kyiv.
Trump’s Role as Mediator
By arranging direct contact between the two warring leaders, Trump positioned himself as a central player in shaping the peace process. His personal involvement—calling Putin during high-level White House discussions with Zelenskyy and European leaders—highlighted his determination to take control of the negotiation track. For Trump, success would not only boost his global standing but also validate his claim that he can achieve what others could not.
Uncertainty Ahead
However, despite the optimism, challenges remain. Deep mistrust between Moscow and Kyiv continues, and European leaders remain cautious about whether Trump’s approach will lean too heavily toward Putin’s demands. While the possibility of a breakthrough is real, the outcome of the proposed summit will depend on whether both sides are willing to compromise.
Also Read: Trump Pushes for Zelenskyy-Putin Meeting, Calls It ‘Early Step’ Toward Peace
