Putin and Trump Discuss Iran Ceasefire and Temporary Ukraine Truce in 90-Minute Call

Key facts

• Putin and Trump held a 90-minute phone call on Wednesday.
• Putin welcomed Trump's decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran.
• Putin warned of 'severe consequences' if US and Israel resume military action against Iran.
• Putin offered to take Iran's buried uranium to Russia; Trump declined.
• Putin proposed a ceasefire during Victory Day celebrations; Trump supported it.
• Kremlin scaled back Victory Day parade due to drone threat, no military hardware for first time in nearly two decades.
• Russia's advances in Ukraine have slowed; both sides suffer heavy casualties.

Leaders Discuss Iran and Ukraine in Lengthy Call

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone for more than 90 minutes on Wednesday, covering the war in Iran and the conflict in Ukraine. The call, described by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov as 'frank and businesslike,' was initiated by Moscow. Putin welcomed Trump's decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran, stating it should give negotiations a chance and help stabilize the region. However, he also highlighted the 'inevitable and extremely damaging consequences' for Iran, its neighbors, and the entire international community if the US and Israel resume military action.

Putin Warns Against US Ground Operation in Iran

During the call, Putin expressed Moscow's view that a US ground operation in Iran would be dangerous.d in Iran diplomacy but continues to provide support to its ally, including intelligence and drones. Trump later described the conversation as 'very good,' saying he has known Putin a long time. The US president noted that Putin offered to take Iran's buried uranium to Russia, but Trump preferred Putin's involvement in ending the war in Ukraine.

Temporary Ceasefire in Ukraine Proposed for Victory Day

Putin told Trump he was ready to declare a ceasefire for the duration of Victory Day celebrations, a proposal Trump actively supported, noting the holiday marks their shared victory. The potential truce comes as Ukrainian long-range drones continue to strike Russian territory almost daily, targeting industrial and military sites. Earlier on Wednesday, the Kremlin announced it would scale back this year's Victory Day parade due to the drone threat, with no military hardware on display for the first time in nearly two decades.

Divergent Views on Ukraine War's Trajectory

Putin told Trump that Russian forces hold the strategic initiative and are pushing back Ukrainian positions. However, military analysts and open-source information indicate neither side appears close to a breakthrough, with Russia's advances slowing in recent months. Both armies show signs of exhaustion and sustain heavy casualties while targeting each other's energy infrastructure. Trump has repeatedly stated that a deal to end the Ukraine conflict is close, despite the two sides remaining far from a lasting settlement. Putin has signaled willingness to continue fighting until Ukraine cedes territory Russia controls in the Donbas, a demand Kyiv has consistently rejected.

Shared Criticism of Kyiv and European Support

Both Putin and Trump expressed similar assessments of the behavior of the Kyiv regime, which they said, incited and supported by Europeans, is prolonging the conflict. Trump has alternated between blaming Moscow and Kyiv but recently placed greater responsibility on Ukraine. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, now in its fifth year, has devastated Ukrainian territory, killed thousands of civilians, and forced millions to flee their homes. The war shows no signs of ending, with both sides entrenched in their positions.

Outlook: Diplomatic Efforts and Continued Fighting

The call underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts amid continued hostilities. Russia remains committed to assisting diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, while the Ukraine conflict remains a central faultline. The proposed Victory Day ceasefire, if implemented, would be a temporary pause but does not address the core issues dividing the parties. As long-range drone strikes persist and both sides suffer heavy losses, the path to a lasting peace remains uncertain. The leaders' conversation, while cordial, yielded no breakthrough, leaving the wars in Iran and Ukraine unresolved.

The bottom line

• Putin and Trump held a 90-minute call covering Iran and Ukraine, with Putin warning against US military action in Iran.
• Putin proposed a ceasefire during Victory Day celebrations; Trump supported it, but no broader truce was agreed.
• Russia's advances in Ukraine have slowed; both sides face exhaustion and heavy casualties.
• Trump believes a Ukraine deal is close, but fundamental disagreements over territory persist.
• Kremlin scaled back Victory Day parade due to drone threats, a sign of the war's impact on Russia.
• Russia continues to support Iran despite being sidelined in diplomacy, providing intelligence and drones.