Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin held a phone call on Wednesday, turning their attention to two of the world's most volatile flashpoints, the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the fragile ceasefire in Ukraine.
The conversation, which lasted more than 90 minutes, saw the Russian president warn that any potential US ground invasion of Iran would be dangerous. At the same time, Putin welcomed Trump's decision to extend the temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, according to Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin leader's foreign policy adviser, as reported by The Guardian.
Trump Calls It a 'Very Good Conversation'
Trump later described the exchange in positive terms, calling it a 'very good conversation' and noting his long-standing familiarity with the Russian leader. The US president also revealed that Putin had offered to take custody of Iran's buried uranium, though Trump indicated he would rather see Moscow focus its efforts on helping bring the war in Ukraine to an end.
Despite Trump's repeated assertions that a deal to resolve the Ukraine conflict is within reach, the gap between Moscow and Kyiv remains wide. While Washington has signalled optimism, there has been little tangible progress towards a lasting settlement.
Trump Warns Iran To 'Get Smart Soon' Over Non-Nuclear Deal
Ukraine Stalemate Persists Amid Conflicting Positions
Putin has made it clear that Russia is prepared to continue its military campaign until Ukraine agrees to cede territories currently under Russian control in the Donbas region, among other conditions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently rejected any such concessions, keeping the dispute at the heart of stalled peace negotiations.
During the call, Putin told Trump that Russian forces still held the initiative on the battlefield and were continuing to push back Ukrainian positions.
Meanwhile, Russia's role in the Iran conflict has remained largely peripheral in diplomatic terms, despite its alliance with Tehran. Western intelligence agencies have said Moscow continues to provide support, including intelligence and drones, allegedly used in strikes against US targets in the region.