Trump, Putin call ends after 2 hours; Russia says ‘ready to work towards ending fighting in Ukraine’ | World News

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump concluded a phone call lasting over two hours, with Putin expressing readiness to work towards ending the fighting in Ukraine. According to Putin, finding compromises that suit all parties is crucial for Russia and Ukraine to move forward.According to the White House, Trump has grown increasingly “frustrated” with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the stalled negotiations.
Ahead of the call, Trump posted on social media expressing hope for a “productive day” and a path toward peace. The call followed a fresh round of talks in anbul between Russian and Ukrainian officials, the first in more than two years, and is part of Trump’s broader diplomatic push that includes outreach to NATO allies.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the call began shortly after 10 a.m. and said more details would follow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the conversation as “important,” given the recent developments in anbul.
Trump, who has long touted his deal-making abilities, has faced challenges delivering on his repeated claim that he could swiftly end the war. “He’s weary and frustrated with both sides,” Leavitt told reporters. Adding that he wants to see a peaceful resolution and ceasefire as soon as possible.”
Vice President JD Vance warned that Trump is “more than open” to abandoning his diplomatic efforts if Putin shows no genuine interest in a settlement. “We’re not going to spin our wheels here,” Vance said, emphasising that the US under Trump is looking for real outcomes.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed confidence in the former president’s personal rapport with Putin. He believes picking up the phone can break the logjam, Witkoff said. “I think it’s going to be a very successful call.”Story continues below this ad
Yet, concerns pers. Critics warn that Trump’s perceived affinity for Putin could undercut Ukraine. Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, who resigned last month, criticised the adminration’s approach. The pressure was always on the victim, not the aggressor, she said, recalling a February Oval Office meeting where Zelenskyy was allegedly scolded for not being deferential enough. “I believe that peace at any price is not peace at all,” she said.
Trump previously posted that his conversation with Putin would address ending the “bloodbath” and might include discussions on trade; a possible sign that economic incentives could play a role in any deal. His adminration has floated the idea of rethinking sanctions if Russia engages in good faith.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced this message, saying on NBC’s Meet the Press that sanctions could intensify if Putin doesn’t come to the table. He also criticised prior sanctions under President Joe Biden as ineffective for failing to curb Russia’s oil revenues.
Although hopes for a ceasefire remain elusive, Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a significant prisoner exchange – 1,000 from each side – potentially taking place this week, according to Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov.Story continues below this ad
Putin recently declined Zelenskyy’s offer for an in-person meeting in Turkey, instead opting to wait until Trump was directly involved. “He and I will meet, and I think we’ll solve it or maybe not,” Trump said Friday while departing the Middle East. “At least we’ll know.”
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, met with Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday. He later posted on X that their talks covered sanctions, defence cooperation, battlefield updates, and the upcoming prisoner swap. “Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war,” he said.
Trump also consulted with European leaders, including Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, ahead of his call with Putin. Macron later urged Putin to accept a proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire backed both Ukraine and Europe.