President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a call Tuesday that lasted approximately one hour, discussing a potential peace deal for Ukraine. The conversation followed visits to Moscow and Kyiv by US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that the two leaders "exchanged views" on the outcomes of the envoys' visits. While Kushner indicated that the envoys presented "brought new ideas" for a cease-fire, reports suggest they presented updated versions of existing US peace proposals.
The primary point of contention in the conflict remains the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas. Both Ukraine and Russia claim the industrial area.
Ushakov also conveyed that Trump suggested the possibility of restoring full US-Russian relations if Moscow were to agree to a peace settlement with Ukraine. "Donald Trump clearly expressed the desirability of a swift end to the conflict, which would immediately open up impressive and far-reaching prospects for a full restoration of US-Russian relations," Ushakov reported.
The White House had not commented on the call at the time of reporting, but The Kyiv Independent noted that Trump was also scheduled to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later Tuesday.
According to Ushakov, Putin also offered assurances that Russia does not intend to initiate a wider war in Europe. This statement came after CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow the previous week, where he reportedly warned against such an incursion. "Given the speculation about Russia’s alleged hostile intentions against European states," Ushakov said, "it was emphasized that we harbor no thought of aggressive plans against Europe."