Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are set to hold a crucial telephone conversation this afternoon, focusing on the normalization of Russian-US relations and the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed.
According to Peskov, diplomatic discussions have already been underway between the two nations. US special envoy Steve Witkoff recently visited Moscow, negotiations took place in Istanbul, and the two presidents previously held an initial call. “There is a certain understanding indeed. However, many issues remain on the agenda, including the further normalization of our bilateral relations and the Ukrainian settlement. The presidents are expected to discuss all this,” Peskov stated.
A History of Trump-Putin Engagements
This marks the second phone call between the leaders since Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025, following their first exchange on February 12. During Trump’s first term (2017-2021), the two leaders met six times and spoke by phone nearly two dozen times.
Key Meetings Between Trump and Putin
- July 7, 2017 (G20 Summit, Hamburg): Their first face-to-face meeting, lasting over two hours, covered Syria, Ukraine, North Korea, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity. Agreements were reached on a truce in southwestern Syria and establishing communication channels for Ukraine negotiations.
- November 10, 2017 (APEC Summit, Vietnam): The two spoke informally, issuing a joint statement on counterterrorism efforts in Syria.
- July 16, 2018 (Helsinki Summit): A lengthy private discussion covered nuclear disarmament, Ukraine, Iran, North Korea, and trade ties. While no agreements were announced, both leaders described the talks as constructive.
- June 28, 2019 (G20 Summit, Osaka): Discussions centered on arms control and reaffirming commitment to the Minsk agreements on Ukraine.
Significant Telephone Calls
- November 14, 2016: Their first-ever call after Trump’s election victory addressed the “highly unsatisfactory” state of US-Russia relations.
- January 28, 2017: Their first official call after Trump’s inauguration covered Ukraine, counterterrorism, and global security issues.
- December 17, 2017: Putin thanked Trump for intelligence that helped thwart terrorist attacks in Russia.
- March 30, 2020: Discussions focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and oil market stabilization.
- February 12, 2025: Their first call since Trump’s return, focusing on Ukraine, bilateral ties, the Middle East peace process, and Iran’s nuclear program.
Today’s High-Stakes Discussion
With tensions still high over Ukraine, today’s call is expected to be pivotal. Trump has voiced support for a peaceful resolution, while Putin insists on addressing the root causes of the conflict. Both leaders are expected to explore diplomatic avenues for de-escalation and possibly arrange an in-person summit to further negotiations.
