Putin, Trump hold ‘very candid’ phone conversation on Ukraine conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump held a “very candid” phone conversation, the Kremlin said, following a weekend visit to Moscow and Kyiv by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, AFP and Reuters reported, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

“In the professional and respectful manner that is characteristic of them, they exchanged views” on the visit by Witkoff and Kushner, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters.

According to Reuters, Ushakov said both leaders viewed the discussions held in the two capitals as a positive sign, while Putin told Trump what he believes the United States could do to help bring the conflict to an end.

Putin assured the White House leader that he had “no aggressive plans regarding Europe,” according to Ushakov, and presented Trump with his assessment of the situation on the battlefield.

“Donald Trump made it clear that it is desirable for the conflict to end as soon as possible, which would immediately open up impressive and important prospects” for the “full restoration of relations between the United States and Russia,” Ushakov said.

“In his view, this would have a particular impact on trade and economic ties, promising enormous benefits for both countries. Donald Trump is determined to see a result during his presidency. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin supports this approach,” Ushakov added.

He also said Putin agreed that prisoner exchanges should continue and broadly described the conversation as constructive.

The two leaders agreed to remain in contact and to speak by phone again if necessary.

Photo: White House