US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (April 29) that he urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to prioritize ending the war in Ukraine during a lengthy phone call that also touched on Iran and ceasefire diplomacy.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump described the call as productive and said the two leaders discussed many global issues, with Ukraine remaining central.
“I talked about a few different topics, mostly Ukraine. And we had a very good conversation. I think we’ll come to a solution fairly quickly, I hope,” Trump said.
“I think you’d like to see a solution, I can tell you that. And that’s a good thing,” he added.
Trump rejects Putin’s offer on Iran nuclear issue
Trump revealed that Putin offered Russian help related to Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts, but said he redirected the discussion to ending the Ukraine conflict.
“He told me he would like to be involved in enrichment if he can help us get him,” Trump said.
“I said, ‘I would much rather you were involved in ending the war with Ukraine,'” the US president told reporters.
Trump also confirmed that Iran was part of the discussion.
“I talked a little bit about Iran,” he said.
The Kremlin says the call lasted more than 90 minutes
According to Kremlin adviser Yuriy Ushakov, the conversation between Trump and Putin lasted more than an hour and a half and covered Ukraine, Iran and broader geopolitical issues.
Ushakov described the exchange as “friendly, honest and to the point”.
Russian officials said Putin expressed support for Trump’s decision to extend the Iran ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations.
According to Reuters, Ushakov said Putin shared ideas regarding Iran’s nuclear program and discussed possible diplomatic efforts around Tehran.
Putin proposes a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine
A Kremlin report on the call said Putin proposed a temporary truce linked to Russia’s annual World War II Victory Day commemorations on May 9.
Russia traditionally commemorates the anniversary with large-scale military ceremonies commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II.
Trump said he suggested “a bit of a truce” during the discussion as diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine continue to face obstacles.
Ukrainian peace efforts remain on hold
The call came at a critical time for Trump, who pledged during the 2024 presidential campaign to quickly end the Ukraine conflict if returned to office.
But U.S.-led peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have gained momentum and negotiations have reportedly slowed as Washington’s focus shifts to the conflict involving Iran and Israel.
Trump also faced challenges in securing a long-term settlement to the broader Middle East conflict after the war with Iran escalated earlier this year.
Iran remains at the center of diplomatic tensions
The interview also highlighted how Iran continues to dominate international diplomacy after months of conflict and ceasefire negotiations.
Trump recently extended a temporary ceasefire with Iran indefinitely to allow more time to negotiate a broader peace framework.
Russia has increasingly positioned itself as a potential mediator in discussions regarding Iran and regional security issues, while maintaining close ties with Tehran throughout the conflict.
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