MWE Correspondent
President Donald Trump has confirmed that a lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday ended without any real breakthrough in efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine war.
Trump, speaking before boarding Air Force One, described the call as “long and detailed,” adding that they discussed various global issues including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but made “no progress” on securing a ceasefire in Ukraine.
“It was a long call,” Trump told reporters. “We talked about Iran, we talked about the war. I’m not pleased with where things stand.”
The phone call was the sixth formal discussion between the two leaders this year, amid ongoing global pressure for a negotiated solution to the war. Trump, who previously claimed he could end the war “in 24 hours” if re-elected, admitted that such claims were “wishful,” adding, “It’s more complicated than it seems.”
According to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, the Kremlin acknowledged the call and said Putin reiterated Russia’s position — that it remains open to talks but will not abandon its key military objectives.
Putin reportedly updated Trump on the status of the Istanbul peace talks, where limited humanitarian agreements were previously reached between Moscow and Kyiv.
“President Putin explained that Russia is committed to achieving the goals it set when the conflict began,” Ushakov stated. “That includes addressing what we see as the root causes of the conflict, such as NATO expansion.” (NATO has long been cited by Russia as a threat to its sphere of influence.)
Just hours after the Trump–Putin call, Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults on Ukraine’s capital since the full-scale war began in 2022. Ukrainian air defenses reported intercepting dozens of Shahed-136 drones and Iskander missiles targeting critical infrastructure and residential areas.
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More than 40 buildings were damaged and at least one civilian was killed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling it “a brutal message” in the face of peace efforts.
“It shows that Russia is not serious about ending this war,” a top Ukrainian official said.
Following the Russian attack, Trump held another phone call — this time with Zelenskyy — to reassure Ukraine of continued U.S. support. The Ukrainian leader reportedly pressed for faster delivery of Patriot missile defense systems and more 155 mm artillery shells to protect urban centers.
Earlier reports suggested that the U.S. had paused or slowed delivery of some military aid due to concerns about domestic stockpile levels. However, the Pentagon clarified the pause was temporary and not a policy shift.
European allies have taken note. Germany, which has increased its own aid to Ukraine, is reportedly exploring ways to supply additional air defense systems in case Washington delays further shipments.
Meanwhile, political analysts say Trump’s strategy is walking a fine line: pursuing diplomacy with Russia while maintaining strong military support for Ukraine, all without drawing America into deeper conflict.
“Both leaders claim to want peace,” said one former U.S. diplomat. “But neither side seems ready to compromise on the terms.”
