Putin confirms Russia’s readiness to continue Ukraine talks with Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s readiness to continue peace negotiations with Ukraine during a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed.

According to Ushakov, the call lasted approximately one hour. Putin emphasised the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict in Ukraine and said that Russia would not back down from its objectives in the ongoing war.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Iran and the broader Middle East region. Russia underlined the necessity of resolving disputes exclusively through political and diplomatic means.

Ushakov said that both sides agreed to maintain dialogue through their foreign ministries, defence departments, and presidential aides. The situation in Syria was also a topic of discussion.

Putin congratulated Trump on the occasion of the U.S. Independence Day on 4 July. The two leaders confirmed mutual interest in advancing promising economic projects, particularly in the fields of energy and space exploration.

The Russian side also highlighted its important role in the formation of American statehood during the call.

Ushakov noted that Trump raised the need for a swift end to military operations in Ukraine and updated Putin on his key spending bill. Putin wished Trump success with the planned reforms.

This marked the sixth phone call between the two presidents since Trump returned to The White House in January.

So far, two rounds of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have taken place in Istanbul, with preparations for a third round underway.

U.S. officials, including Trump, have yet to comment on the call.

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