Donald Trump and the Russian dictator held a candid two‑hour phone call on Monday afternoon in a desperate bid to end the three‑year‑long war in Ukraine. The US President said negotiations would begin “immediately” as the Russian dictator finally admitted he must reach a deal.
Russian dictator looks on at an event after his call with US President Donald Trump. (Credit: AFP)
Donald Trump speaking in Washington after saying that Moscow and Kyiv would begin talks “immediately” to end the war in Ukraine. (Credit: The Mega Agency)
A damaged residential area following a Russian missile attack in Druzhkivka, Donetsk region. (Credit: Getty)
Screenshot of Donald Trump’s Truth Social post announcing the two‑hour call with the Russian dictator and subsequent negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. (Credit: Truth Social/@realDonaldTrump)
The US President claimed that the Russian dictator—whom he addresses by his first name—“wants to stop” the war, adding that ceasefire talks would begin without delay. He warned, however, that there were some “big egos” involved, which could complicate negotiations.
After the call, the Russian dictator spoke to state media, admitting he must make a peace deal with Ukraine. He described the conversation as “very productive” and “quite candid,” calling it “highly useful.” He also said that Russia was “ready to work with the Ukrainian side” on a possible future peace agreement, provided both sides showed willingness to compromise.
According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the call opened with the Russian dictator congratulating Mr Trump “on the birth of his eleventh grandson” after his daughter Tiffany gave birth last Thursday. The discussion then turned to the bloody war in Ukraine, including the recent direct talks in Istanbul that yielded no result.
Mr Ushakov said the Trump administration’s role in bringing Moscow and Kyiv to the negotiating table was also highlighted positively. No deadline or timeframe for a ceasefire was agreed, though “Trump, of course, emphasised his interest in reaching an agreement as soon as possible,” the aide added.
The two leaders did, however, discuss another prisoner exchange, with “another such exchange of nine for nine people” being “worked out.”
President Zelenskyy spoke on Monday evening to reassert his “red lines” for any peace deal. He insisted that Ukraine would not withdraw its troops from its own territory, saying: “Ukraine won’t withdraw its troops on its own territory.”
Mr Ushakov also revealed that Mr Trump told the Russian dictator: “Vladimir, you can pick up the phone at any time, and I will be happy to answer. I will be happy to talk to you.”
President Zelenskyy spoke with Mr Trump “for a few minutes” before the call with the Russian dictator. After the call, Mr Trump debriefed a select group of European leaders—including Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, Friedrich Merz and Alexander Stubb.
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