Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a phone call on Wednesday where the two leaders discussed the ongoing war in the Middle East and the broader geopolitical situation, including the war in Ukraine.The conversation, which lasted about an hour and a half, marked the first known direct contact between the two leaders since March and covered key issues ranging from Iran to potential ceasefire efforts in Ukraine.According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the two leaders held detailed discussions about the escalating situation in the Middle East.“The two presidents paid special attention to the situation regarding Iran and the Persian Gulf,” Ushakov said during a press conference.He added that President Putin supported Trump’s recent move regarding Iran. Ushakov said: “Vladimir Putin considers Donald Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran the right decision, because this would give negotiations a chance and, in general, help stabilize the situation.”Putin warned his American counterpart of the “harmful consequences” of new military action in Iran, according to the Times of Israel. Ushakov said Putin “highlighted the inevitable and extremely devastating consequences not only for Iran and its neighbors, but also for the entire international community, if the United States and Israel resort to military action again.”
Beyond the Middle East, the call also addressed the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Putin has reportedly proposed a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, marking the end of World War II.Ushakov said the Russian leader expressed readiness for a truce during the commemoration ceremony, suggesting it could serve as a step toward broader peace negotiations, Reuters reported.
