Russian President Vladimir Putin told President Donald Trump in an hour-long phone call on Tuesday that Russia does not intend to invade Europe, according to Kremlin officials. The conversation, which focused on the conflict in Ukraine, also saw Trump express his desire for a swift resolution to the war.
Putin's aide, Yuri Ushakov, briefed reporters on the call, stating that Trump believes an end to the conflict would immediately create significant opportunities for the full restoration of U.S.-Russian relations. Ushakov reiterated that despite reports of Russia preparing to attack an unnamed European NATO ally, Putin has no aggressive plans against Europe.
According to Ushakov, Trump also highlighted the potential economic benefits for both the U.S. and Russia if the war were to conclude promptly.
The call followed a trip to Moscow and Kyiv by Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who advocated for an end to the Ukraine war but returned without an announced breakthrough. Putin ordered a temporary pause in targeting Kyiv to allow Witkoff and Kushner to conduct peace negotiations safely, and Ukraine also reduced its strikes during their visit.
The White House has not released its own readout of the call but praised Witkoff and Kushner's efforts, stating that "substantive plans for next steps" were created.
Weeks prior, CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly traveled secretly to Russia to warn intelligence counterparts against attacking NATO partners, based on classified intelligence reports. Trump described Ratcliffe's visit as a "semi-routine" check-up when questioned about the clandestine meeting.
The war in Ukraine has resulted in substantial casualties, with estimates of 120,000 to 150,000 Ukrainian soldiers and 450,000 Russian soldiers killed. Including injured or missing personnel, total casualties are estimated to be around 1.6 million for Russia and between 525,000 and 625,000 for Ukraine.
U.S.-mediated negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have been stalled for months. Russia has sought territorial concessions, primarily in the Donbas region, which Ukraine has largely rejected. While both sides have indicated openness to dialogue, no further talks have been scheduled.
Ushakov indicated that the presidents would speak again as needed, though the future course of the four-and-a-half-year conflict remains uncertain.