Trump and Putin: United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a lengthy and “productive” phone conversation lasting more than two hours, according to the White House. The call took place just ahead of Trump’s scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Oval Office.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared details of the conversation, stating, “I spoke with President Vladimir Putin over the phone. It was a fruitful discussion. He congratulated me and the United States for efforts toward peace in the Middle East, which he described as a century-old dream.”
Trump expressed optimism that “stability in the Middle East could help pave the way for ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.” He also revealed that the two leaders discussed the possibility of a future U.S.–Russia trade agreement, contingent on the resolution of the Ukraine war
Planned Summit in Budapest
Both leaders have reportedly agreed to meet in person in Budapest, Hungary, for high-level talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Trump confirmed that a strategic advisory meeting will be held next week to prepare for the summit.
Meeting with Zelenskyy
Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Zelenskyy tomorrow at the White House, where he plans to brief him on the conversation with Putin. The meeting is expected to focus on military aid, diplomatic strategy, and the potential outcomes of the upcoming summit
The timing of the Trump–Putin call coincides with renewed Russian missile strikes in Ukraine and growing international pressure to de-escalate the conflict. While no official date has been announced for the Budapest summit, both sides have signaled urgency and willingness to engage in direct negotiations.
