Putin Warns Trump: Ukraine Call Reveals Stark Divide
- President Donald Trump discussed the ongoing wars in Iran and Ukraine during a 90-minute phone call on Wednesday, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.
- Ushakov stated that Putin views the extension of the Iran ceasefire as a positive step, offering a chance for negotiations and overall stabilization.
- Trump, speaking to reporters, described the conversation as “very good,” noting a long-standing relationship with Putin.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the ongoing wars in Iran and Ukraine during a 90-minute phone call on Wednesday, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. Putin reportedly warned Trump against a ground operation in Iran, deeming it “dangerous,” and welcomed the U.S. President’s decision to extend a ceasefire in the region.
Ushakov stated that Putin views the extension of the Iran ceasefire as a positive step, offering a chance for negotiations and overall stabilization. However, Putin also cautioned about the “extremely damaging consequences” that military action by the U.S. And Israel could have, not only for Iran and its neighbors but for the international community as a whole. Russia, Ushakov added, remains “firmly committed to providing every possible assistance to diplomatic efforts” regarding the conflict in the Middle East.
The call was initiated by Moscow, Ushakov said. Trump, speaking to reporters, described the conversation as “very good,” noting a long-standing relationship with Putin. While the discussion touched upon Ukraine, Trump indicated that the call primarily focused on the situation in Iran.
Regarding Ukraine, Trump reiterated his belief that a deal to end the conflict is nearing completion, despite ongoing fighting and a lack of substantial progress towards a lasting settlement. Putin reportedly offered assistance in removing buried uranium from Iran to Russia, but Trump expressed a preference for Putin to focus on resolving the war in Ukraine. Ushakov noted that Putin detailed the current military situation in Ukraine, claiming Russian troops are “holding the strategic initiative and pushing back the enemy’s positions.”
“We had a very good conversation, I’ve known him a long time.”
Donald Trump
Russia has largely been sidelined in diplomatic efforts concerning the war in Iran, despite being an ally of the Kremlin. Western intelligence agencies have reported that Russia continues to provide support to Iran, including intelligence and drones used in attacks targeting U.S. Interests in the area.
The war in Ukraine is currently in its fifth year, having escalated with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Putin has signaled his willingness to continue fighting until Ukraine cedes control of territories currently held by Russia in the Donbas region, among other demands.