Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in an extensive phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday to deliberate over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine.
On his platform Truth Social, Trump mentioned that a significant portion of their dialogue concentrated on Israel’s intensive efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which has prompted retaliatory measures from Iran. Trump emphasized that he also urged Putin to cease Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.
Expressing mutual sentiment with Putin, Trump said, “He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end,” while adding that he made clear to Putin that the war in Ukraine should also be brought to an end. Their conversation extended for approximately one hour.
Yuri Ushakov, a foreign affairs adviser to Putin, shared that the Russian president informed Trump about his recent engagements with the leaders of Iran and Israel, and reiterated Russia’s proposal of achieving mutually agreeable resolutions concerning the Iranian nuclear dispute.
“Putin, in denouncing the military operation against Iran, voiced serious apprehensions regarding a potential escalation of the conflict,” stated Ushakov. He cautioned about the dangers the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran posed to stability across the Middle East.
Putin highlighted Russia’s eagerness to act as a mediator, and pointed out that Russia had suggested steps “targeted at establishing mutually acceptable arrangements” during the U.S.-Iran negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Relations between Russia and Iran have strengthened since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, with Iran providing Russia with drones, ballistic missiles, and other forms of support, according to United States intelligence estimates.
“Russia’s principled commitment to a resolution remains unwavering,” Ushakov mentioned.
Acknowledging the tense situation in the region, Ushakov said Trump described the conditions as “very alarming” whilst recognizing the “effectiveness” of Israel’s strikes on Iranian sites.
The leaders did not dismiss the possibility of resuming negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Ushakov revealed.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was scheduled to travel to Oman Sunday for a sixth round of discussions with Iranian representatives to curb Tehran’s nuclear agenda — a meeting planned ahead of Friday’s Israeli airstrikes. However, Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, announced that the meeting had been postponed.
In their conversation, Putin and Trump also touched upon the ongoing prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. On that day, the two nations executed another exchange negotiated earlier this month in Istanbul.
“Our president remarked that there is an exchange of prisoners of war occurring, which includes severely wounded individuals and soldiers under 25 years of age,” Ushakov explained, expressing readiness for continued dialogue with Ukraine.
In a lighter moment, Trump mentioned that Putin extended well-wishes for his “Happy Birthday.” President Trump celebrated his 79th birthday on Saturday.