President Trump and President Putin had a “positive” phone call on Tuesday morning to discuss finding a resolution to the Ukraine war, according to the Kremlin. The call, which lasted one hour, was described as “constructive and frank” and remains confidential.
The White House has not released much information about the call, likely due to its sensitivity following the weekend shuttle diplomacy by Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The two envoys recently met with Putin and then traveled to Ukraine to meet with Zelensky in a more friendly atmosphere.
During the call, Putin expressed support for Trump’s commitment to building a constructive Russia-US partnership and emphasized that Russia has no hostile intentions towards Europe. Trump reportedly stated his desire for a breakthrough on Ukraine during his presidency, believing it could lead to a significant restoration of relations between Russia and the US.
The Kremlin aide mentioned that both leaders agreed to continue working through direct contact and diplomatic channels. The recent diplomatic efforts come amid escalating attacks in the Black Sea region, raising concerns about a potential global food crisis and energy risks.
Despite ongoing challenges in the Iran situation, the US appears eager for a resolution to the Ukraine conflict, possibly driven by Trump’s desire for a victory ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. This renewed focus on Ukraine talks reflects a broader strategic shift in US foreign policy.