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Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a rare phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that Russia will not abandon its objectives in Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Thursday. The conversation, lasting nearly an hour, comes amid stalled U.S.-led peace efforts and renewed tensions following Washington’s decision to pause some arms shipments to Kyiv.
According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Putin reiterated Moscow’s commitment to achieving the “elimination of root causes” that led to the conflict — a reference to Russia’s long-standing demand that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions.
Putin Says Russia Open to Negotiations but Unyielding on Core Demands
“Russia will not give up on these aims,” Ushakov told reporters, adding that Putin conveyed readiness for continued negotiations while asserting the Kremlin’s position remains unchanged.
Kazakhstan Bans Face Veils in Public
Despite repeated military offensives and rejection of U.S.-backed ceasefire proposals, Moscow claims it still supports the idea of a “political, negotiated solution” to the ongoing conflict. Western analysts, however, accuse the Kremlin of dragging out talks while escalating attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Ukraine Conflict Escalates Amid Diplomacy Gridlock
The Russian invasion, launched in February 2022, has led to hundreds of thousands of deaths and massive destruction. On the same day as the Putin-Trump call, Russian airstrikes killed at least eight people in Ukraine, according to local officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, currently visiting Denmark, condemned the attacks and urged Western partners to maintain military support. He also emphasized the need for deeper ties with NATO and the European Union, especially amid uncertainty surrounding U.S. policy.
Zelensky to Speak with Trump as U.S. Arms Policy Sparks Confusion
A senior Ukrainian official confirmed that Zelensky and Trump are expected to speak by phone on Friday. The conversation follows Kyiv’s request for clarification from Washington regarding the pause in weapons shipments.
“Continued American support for Ukraine, for our defence, for our people, is in our common interest,” Zelensky said during a press conference in Denmark.
Zelensky also welcomed what he described as Trump’s ‘unconditional ceasefire’ initiative, though details of the plan remain unclear.
Middle East Tensions Also Raised During Call
Beyond Ukraine, Putin reportedly used the call to voice concern over U.S. strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, a close ally of Russia. He urged Trump to push for diplomatic resolutions to conflicts in the Middle East, warning of further instability.
Global Implications and Ongoing Uncertainty
The Putin-Trump exchange underscores a renewed diplomatic channel that could influence the course of the Ukraine war — though no breakthroughs have emerged. Russia continues to press Western nations to halt arms deliveries, while Ukraine pushes for broader support amid fears of shifting U.S. priorities.
