MOSCOW (Realist English). Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held a two-and-a-half-hour phone call on Wednesday, marking their eighth conversation this year, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters.
Ushakov described the exchange as “very substantive, candid, and trust-based,” noting that the two presidents covered a wide range of international and bilateral issues.
Discussion on Gaza and Middle East peace
According to Ushakov, President Putin opened the conversation by congratulating President Trump on his recent success in normalizing the situation in Gaza, praising his “peacekeeping efforts” which, he said, “have been appreciated across the Middle East, in the United States, and in most countries worldwide.”
Putin reiterated Russia’s principled position in favor of a comprehensive Middle East settlement based on internationally recognized legal frameworks “that would ensure lasting peace for all peoples of the region.”
Focus on the Ukrainian crisis
A “special emphasis,” Ushakov said, was placed on the Ukrainian crisis. President Putin gave a detailed assessment of the current situation, underscoring Russia’s interest in reaching a peaceful, political, and diplomatic resolution.
“During the special military operation, Russian Armed Forces hold full strategic initiative along the entire line of contact,” Ushakov quoted Putin as saying. “In these circumstances, the Kyiv regime resorts to terrorist methods — striking civilian and energy infrastructure — to which we are forced to respond accordingly.”
President Trump, Ushakov added, repeatedly emphasized the need for an early establishment of peace in Ukraine, calling the conflict “the most difficult challenge” in his peace efforts worldwide, even as he cited his success in resolving eight other regional crises.
“One of the main ideas voiced by President Trump,” Ushakov said, “was that ending the conflict in Ukraine would open enormous — truly colossal — prospects for U.S.–Russia economic cooperation.”
“Tomahawk” missile issue and bilateral relations
Both leaders, Ushakov noted, discussed U.S. plans to supply Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine. Putin warned that such deliveries would not change the battlefield situation, but would cause serious damage to bilateral relations and jeopardize prospects for peace.
The two presidents also spoke about historical ties between the Russian and American peoples, recalling their alliance during World War II. “Against this background,” Ushakov said, “the current state of relations appears paradoxical.”
Possible summit in Budapest
Ushakov confirmed that Putin and Trump agreed to begin preparations for a potential face-to-face summit, suggesting Budapest as a possible venue.
“This is indeed a very important moment,” Ushakov said. “The leaders instructed their teams to begin practical work on the organization of such a meeting without delay.”
Humanitarian cooperation
Putin also expressed appreciation for First Lady Melania Trump’s humanitarian efforts to help reunite Russian and Ukrainian children with their families and asked President Trump to convey his “warmest wishes” to her.
In conclusion, Ushakov said the phone call had been “highly constructive and beneficial,” adding that both presidents agreed to stay in regular contact going forward.
