In a key diplomatic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday described his extended phone conversation with US President Donald Trump as ‘substantive’ and ‘very productive’, signalling renewed efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The two-hour-long call focused on restarting stalled peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.
Speaking to the media after the discussion, Putin said, “This conversation has effectively taken place and lasted more than two hours. I would like to emphasise that it was both substantive and quite candid. Overall, I believe it was a very productive exchange.”
The development comes as part of a broader initiative by international actors, including the United States, to mediate peace in the three-year-old conflict.
While a high-level peace summit in Turkey last week was expected to host direct talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, neither leader attended.
Trump, who was touring West Asia at the time, also opted out of attending but remained engaged through remote channels.
Putin thanked Trump for his role in facilitating the return to negotiations, saying, “The President of the United States shared his position on the cessation of hostilities and the prospects for a ceasefire. Russia, too, supports a peaceful settlement. What we need now is to identify the most effective path forward.”
Both leaders reportedly agreed that Russia would begin drafting a proposed memorandum for peace, which would outline terms for settlement, timelines, and potentially a temporary ceasefire if an agreement is reached.
Putin also welcomed the reactivation of communication among participants of the Istanbul talks, noting, “It’s a sign that we are on the right track.”
He reiterated Russia’s longstanding view that addressing the root causes of the war remains essential.
Describing the tone of the conversation as ‘highly constructive’, Putin stressed the importance of both Russia and Ukraine demonstrating a serious commitment to compromise.
“The key issue is for both sides to show their dedication to peace and forge a deal acceptable to all parties involved,” he said.
Following the call, Trump confirmed the details in a statement on his Truth Social platform.
“Just completed my two-hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the war,” he wrote.
Trump also revealed that the Vatican had offered to host the upcoming dialogue and that he had briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on the outcomes of the conversation.
As diplomatic momentum builds, observers are cautiously optimistic that this renewed engagement could lead to meaningful progress towards ending the conflict.
Also Read: Former US President Biden Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Union Minister Chirag Paswan has condemned Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah for his derogatory remarks…
A social media message claiming the government has launched a 'Blood on Call' service through…
BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of echoing Pakistan propaganda over his IAF loss remarks and called…
Markets opened slightly lower on May 20, weighed down by mixed global trends & sectoral…
A viral video of an elderly man falling while boarding a moving train in Karnataka,…
The 78th World Health Assembly began in Geneva with a focus on the pandemic agreement,…