In a high-stakes phone call that lasted over an hour, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed key international issues including Iran, Ukraine, and the ongoing conflict in Syria. The Kremlin emphasized Moscow’s diplomatic positions during the call, though no agreement was reached regarding a future in-person meeting.
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin are seen during the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina November 30, 2018. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci/File Photo
Diplomatic Push on Iran
According to Russian officials, President Putin underscored the need for resolving the crisis surrounding Iran exclusively through diplomatic channels. Both leaders acknowledged the complex dynamics unfolding across the broader Middle East and agreed on the importance of dialogue and de-escalation.
Ukraine: No Change in Moscow’s Stance
On the Ukrainian front, President Trump reportedly raised the issue of an immediate ceasefire.
FILE – In this Friday, July 7, 2017, file photo U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Summit in Hamburg. The Kremlin and the White House have announced Thursday, June 28, 2018, that a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump will take place in Helsinki, Finland, on July 16. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
However, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s unwavering stance. Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov stated that the Russian president made clear Moscow’s commitment to negotiations while insisting that Russia would not retreat from its strategic objectives. These goals, according to Russian sources, include eliminating what they consider the root causes of the conflict.
Continued Dialogue on Syria and Istanbul Agreements
“Peace to the world”, a painting created by Russian artist Alexei Sergienko showing a combination of faces of Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, is on display at the Sergienko’s gallery in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)
The two leaders also touched on Syria, expressing a shared interest in maintaining communication to seek solutions to the long-standing war. Putin informed Trump of the ongoing implementation of the Istanbul agreements but stopped short of proposing a new round of talks. Despite this, the Kremlin stated it remains open to continuing discussions.
No Talks on U.S. Military Aid or Summit Meeting
The Kremlin confirmed that the subject of halting U.S. military support to Ukraine was not brought up during the conversation. Additionally, there was no discussion of a potential face-to-face summit between the two leaders. Nonetheless, both sides agreed to keep communication channels open. Ushakov noted that peace negotiations on Ukraine are taking place directly between Moscow and Kyiv and that Washington “understands this.”
Putin’s Quip Goes Viral
A demonstrator holds an image depicting U.S. President Donald trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin kissing, during the “No Kings Day” protest against Trump’s policies, in New York City, U.S., June 14, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
In a lighter moment that quickly gained attention online, Putin abruptly left a Russian conference to take Trump’s call, joking that he didn’t want to keep the U.S. president waiting, as it might be misinterpreted. The remark drew laughter and applause from the audience and was seen as a reflection of Putin’s distinctive communication style, as well as an attempt to showcase the significance of his direct contact with the U.S. president.
