Trump and Putin discuss Ukraine in hour-long call as peace push resumes
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a constructive and frank hour-long phone conversation. Putin discussed Russia's military goals in Ukraine and denied any aggressive plans toward Europe. The call followed recent visits by US envoys to Moscow and Kyiv to discuss a proposal to end the war.
Ushakov, Putin's foreign affairs adviser, said the leaders exchanged views on the recent envoy visits, noting that some "very good, worthwhile ideas" were presented. The call followed separate meetings between US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Despite the brief weekend truce for negotiations, both sides resumed strikes. Ukrainian officials reported five civilians killed in Kyiv, while Russian authorities cited three deaths in Bryansk and Kursk, and Ukrainian attacks on Crimea killed roughly five more. Trump previously claimed he could settle the war in 24 hours, later calling that an exaggeration.
The renewed dialogue could signal a potential shift in diplomatic momentum, yet the immediate resumption of hostilities may undermine public confidence in peace efforts. Civilians in frontline areas could face continued displacement and casualties if talks falter. Conversely, a successful agreement might stabilize regional security and ease global economic strains, though the lack of concrete progress suggests any societal relief remains uncertain.