Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin conducted a highly anticipated phone call

Today the U.S. President Donald Trump held a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the Ukraine war, marking their third known conversation since Trump’s second term began. The White House described the call as productive, with Trump emphasizing the need to end the conflict and initiate ceasefire negotiations, building on talks in Istanbul where Russia sent a low-level delegation. Trump highlighted potential trade opportunities with Russia post-war, expressing optimism about immediate negotiations, while also noting discussions on broader issues like U.S.-Russia relations and Middle East stability.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov characterized the call as “substantive, frank, and very useful,” stating that Putin supported resuming direct talks with Kyiv but stressed addressing the conflict’s “root causes,” a phrase often tied to Russia’s demands for Ukraine’s neutrality and territorial concessions. Ushakov noted the leaders discussed a prisoner-of-war exchange and improving bilateral ties, but no agreement was reached on Trump’s proposed 30-day ceasefire, with Russia maintaining its conditions, including a halt to foreign military aid to Ukraine. The Kremlin’s readiness to work on a peace memorandum was mentioned, though Putin’s insistence on preconditions suggests limited progress.

Despite Trump’s delightful impression from the conversation, the call did not show any concrete advancements toward a ceasefire, reflecting deep divides. Ukraine, which has agreed to a 30-day truce if Russia reciprocates, remains firm on regaining occupied territories and securing NATO guarantees, positions at odds with Russia’s stance. European allies, wary of Russia’s intentions, emphasized their inclusion in talks, while analysts noted Putin’s history of using negotiations to delay. The call maintained open dialogue but underscored the challenge of reconciling Ukraine’s sovereignty with Russia’s demands, leaving the path to peace uncertain.

Putin still refuses a full ceasefire after the phone call with Trump, keeps talking about Russia's 'root causes' of war in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a full ceasefire in Ukraine, instead proposing the development of a “memorandum” outlining principles for a potential future peace treaty. The announcement followed a two-hour phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump today.

According to Putin, Trump reiterated his position on the need for a cessation of hostilities and a ceasefire, a stance the U.S. has maintained throughout recent negotiations. However, Putin stated that “the most effective paths towards peace are still to be determined” and that Russia is not yet prepared to halt its military operations.

“We agreed with the president of the U.S. that Russia will propose and is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a possible future peace treaty,” Putin told reporters after the call. “It might define a number of positions — for example, the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement, and so on, including a possible ceasefire for a certain period of time if the relevant agreements are reached.”

A source in the Ukrainian Presidential Office confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine continues to demand a full, unconditional ceasefire, which President Zelensky and Trump jointly endorsed back in March as the necessary first step toward negotiations. Ukrainian officials expressed skepticism toward Putin’s new proposal, viewing it as a stalling tactic lacking firm commitments.

Putin emphasized that Russia’s position remains focused on addressing what he called the “root causes” of the war — language that has typically included demands for Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and recognition of Russia’s claims to occupied territories.

In a post on Truth Social following the call, Trump framed the outcome more optimistically, stating that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately start” negotiations. “The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of,” he wrote.

Despite the diplomatic overtures, no concrete agreements have been announced, and Russian forces continue operations along the front line. Ukrainian officials remain wary, especially after Russia’s refusal to send a high-level delegation to last week’s Istanbul talks.

Kremlin is not preparing Russian society for peace deal or end of the war

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) says the Kremlin has made no effort to prepare the Russian public or military for peace in Ukraine, instead intensifying rhetoric that portrays the war as vital to Russia's survival. Russian officials continue to push for prolonged conflict until Ukraine accepts Moscow's demands, avoiding meaningful negotiations or a ceasefire.

Ahead of Putin's call with U.S. President Donald Trump, the Kremlin released a new interview where Putin claimed Russia has the resources to achieve its goals in Ukraine. He repeated that any peace deal must address the "root causes" of the war and protect Russian-speaking Ukrainians. ISW sees this as a move to project strength to both domestic and international audiences.

Despite Ukraine's willingness to agree to an unconditional ceasefire, Russia continues to stall peace efforts. Meanwhile, ISW notes that Russia faces growing battlefield losses and economic strain. These pressures could force difficult choices for Putin by 2026 or 2027, even as the Kremlin signals no intent to end the war soon.