Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, with discussions focusing on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the call lasted more than 90 minutes and was described as “frank and businesslike”. He told reporters that both leaders paid particular attention to the situation involving Iran and tensions in the Persian Gulf.
Ushakov said Putin viewed Trump’s decision to extend a ceasefire initiative related to Iran as a positive step, suggesting it could open space for negotiations and help stabilise the region. However, he also warned of “inevitable and extremely damaging consequences” if the United States and Israel were to resume military action.
He added that Russia remains committed to supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict and that the call was initiated by Moscow.
In Washington, Trump told reporters he had a “very good conversation” with Putin, although he noted that most of their discussion focused on the war in Ukraine rather than Iran. He also said Putin expressed interest in helping end the US-Israel conflict with Iran, but Trump reportedly urged him to first end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, was also discussed in detail. Ushakov said Putin described Russia’s military position as holding “strategic initiative”, while both leaders reportedly shared similar views on Ukraine’s leadership and its handling of the conflict.
Putin also proposed a temporary ceasefire during upcoming Victory Day commemorations, a suggestion Trump reportedly supported. Russia marks Victory Day on 9 May, a major national event commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany, although this year’s celebrations are expected to be scaled down due to security concerns.
