Putin congratulated Trump on his 80th birthday and stated that he expects Zelenskyy in Moscow. The Kremlin claims the US President promised to influence Kyiv
A phone conversation between the leaders of Russia and the United States on Donald Trump's jubilee day went far beyond festive greetings. The politicians discussed a diplomatic resolution to the war, the upcoming visit of American envoys to Russia, and the conditions for a possible meeting with the Ukrainian leadership.
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Photo: AP / Jae C. Hong
According to Russian information resources, citing Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, the conversation was friendly and lasted 55 minutes. Vladimir Putin was the first world leader to call Trump on June 14 to congratulate him on his 80th birthday.
The Russian leader emphasized his respect for the fighting qualities of his American counterpart and his ability to take a punch, which, according to Ushakov, deeply touched the birthday celebrant. However, the exchange of pleasantries quickly transitioned to a discussion of key geopolitical issues and bilateral relations.
The main topic was the war in Ukraine, which the parties agreed to resolve through diplomatic means. According to the Russian version of the negotiations, Donald Trump expressed readiness to influence Kyiv and the US's European partners, including during future contacts at the G7 summit next week.
Putin, in turn, stated that strikes by the Ukrainian army on civilian infrastructure in Russia would in no way change the overall situation on the battlefield. Separately, the head of the Russian Federation outlined the conditions for direct negotiations with the Ukrainian side: he confirmed to Trump that if Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants a meeting, he must come to Moscow himself.
To continue direct contacts between Washington and Moscow, the leaders agreed on new visits. In the near future, US President's special envoys Steve Whitkoff and Jared Kushner will again visit Russia.
In addition to the Ukrainian issue, the presidents touched upon the situation in the Middle East, particularly the draft memorandum between the USA and Iran. Trump once again assured his interlocutor that an agreement with Tehran was close. The Russian leader expressed satisfaction that the large-scale conflict in the region, which could have led to a major war, was being successfully contained.