By Zoey

U.S. President Donald Trump told Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone conversation on Sunday that bringing an end to the war in Ukraine remains an urgent priority and signaled his willingness to assist diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and eventual peace settlement.

According to Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, Trump stressed the importance of ending the hostilities that have continued to devastate Ukraine and strain relations between Russia and the West. The conversation came at a time when international efforts to secure a breakthrough in peace negotiations have struggled to gain momentum, with attention increasingly divided by growing tensions in the Middle East.

Ushakov said Trump reiterated his belief that a halt to the fighting was essential and indicated that the United States was prepared to continue working alongside European allies and the Ukrainian government to advance negotiations. He noted that Trump expressed readiness to coordinate efforts with Kyiv and European partners, including discussions expected to take place during the Group of Seven summit being held this week in France.

The phone call underscored the continued importance of high-level contacts between Washington and Moscow as diplomatic channels remain active despite deep disagreements over the conflict. While no major breakthrough was announced, the exchange highlighted ongoing attempts to keep dialogue open between the two nuclear powers.

Ushakov also revealed that senior American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been involved in U.S.-backed diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the war, are expected to travel to Russia again in the near future. Their upcoming visit is expected to focus on exploring possible avenues for renewed negotiations and assessing prospects for future talks between the parties involved in the conflict.

Efforts to end the war have faced significant obstacles in recent months. Negotiations have repeatedly stalled as both Russia and Ukraine remain divided over key issues, while international attention has increasingly shifted toward developments in Iran and broader security concerns across the Middle East. The growing complexity of global crises has made it more difficult for diplomats to maintain momentum on the Ukraine peace track.

In addition to discussing Ukraine, Trump and Putin devoted part of their conversation to developments surrounding Iran and ongoing diplomatic efforts related to that country’s nuclear program. Ushakov said the two leaders reviewed the latest negotiations involving Washington and Tehran and exchanged views on prospects for reaching an agreement.

According to the Kremlin adviser, the discussion focused on a proposed memorandum being negotiated between the United States and Iran. Trump reportedly expressed optimism about the progress of the talks and suggested that a deal could be within reach despite the challenges that have characterized the negotiations.

Ushakov said Trump indicated that he expected the lengthy and complex diplomatic process to eventually produce positive results. The U.S. president reportedly voiced confidence that the outcome of the negotiations could soon be made public if the remaining issues are successfully resolved.

The conversation reflects the interconnected nature of several major international crises currently facing world leaders. While Ukraine remains one of the most significant security challenges in Europe, tensions involving Iran continue to command attention from policymakers concerned about regional stability and the potential impact on global energy markets and international security.

The call between Trump and Putin also included a personal element. Ushakov said the Russian president informally congratulated Trump on his 80th birthday during their conversation, adding a cordial note to discussions otherwise focused on major geopolitical issues.

The latest exchange between the two leaders comes as governments across Europe, North America and Asia closely monitor developments in both Ukraine and the Middle East. With world leaders gathering for the G7 summit, diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving conflicts and reducing international tensions are expected to feature prominently on the agenda.

Although no concrete agreements emerged from Sunday’s conversation, the discussion signaled that both Washington and Moscow remain engaged in dialogue over some of the world’s most pressing security issues. As diplomatic initiatives continue on multiple fronts, attention will now turn to upcoming meetings, renewed contacts between negotiators, and whether fresh momentum can be generated toward ending the war in Ukraine and advancing broader international stability.

Original article