Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a more than 90-minute phone conversation on Wednesday, focusing on the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the discussion as “frank and businesslike,” saying the two leaders devoted significant attention to the ongoing tensions involving Iran and the wider Persian Gulf region.
According to Ushakov, Putin welcomed Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran, calling it an important step that could allow diplomacy to continue and help stabilise the region. At the same time, the Russian leader warned of what he described as the potentially severe consequences of any renewed military action by the United States or Israel against Iran.
Putin stressed that further escalation could have far-reaching effects not only for Iran and neighbouring states, but also for global security and economic stability. Ushakov said Russia remains committed to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
Speaking later in Washington, Trump described the conversation as “very good.” While acknowledging that Iran was discussed, he said much of the call centred on the war in Ukraine. Trump added that Putin had expressed interest in helping to resolve tensions in the Middle East, though he urged the Russian president to focus first on ending the conflict in Ukraine.
The war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, remains a central issue in relations between Moscow and Washington. Ushakov said Trump had requested an update on the battlefield, and Putin responded by outlining Russia’s current military position.
According to the Kremlin, Putin said Russian forces continue to hold what he called the strategic initiative along the front line. Ushakov also said both leaders shared concerns about the continuation of the conflict, though such characterisations are likely to be contested by Kyiv and its Western allies.
Putin also informed Trump of his willingness to declare a temporary ceasefire during Russia’s upcoming Victory Day commemorations. The annual holiday, observed on May 9, marks the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and is one of Russia’s most significant national events.
Trump reportedly expressed support for the proposal, noting the historical importance of the occasion. Victory Day is traditionally marked by a large military parade in Moscow’s Red Square, though this year’s celebrations are expected to be more limited due to security concerns and the risk of potential Ukrainian strikes.
The call reflects continued high-level contact between Washington and Moscow at a time of heightened global tensions, with both the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East dominating the international agenda.
