US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a one-hour phone call on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine, according to the Kremlin. The conversation followed visits by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow and Kyiv over the weekend to explore diplomatic avenues for a settlement.
Putin reassures Trump on Europe intentions
During the call, Putin told Trump that Russia has no aggressive plans toward Europe, a claim made amid ongoing European concerns over alleged Russian sabotage campaigns. The Kremlin described the discussion as "constructive and frank", with Trump emphasizing the desirability of a swift end to the conflict to restore US-Russia relations. Putin reportedly supported this approach, and both leaders agreed to continue communications.
Ukraine reports new proposals from US envoys
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Witkoff and Kushner presented "very good, worthwhile ideas" during their meetings in Kyiv. Zelenskyy also expressed hope for a meeting with Trump around September 20, when the UN General Assembly convenes in New York. Among Ukraine’s priorities in discussions with Trump is securing additional Patriot air defense systems to counter Russian missile and drone attacks. Zelenskyy noted Ukraine requires 300 Patriot missiles and 500 air-to-air interceptors from partners.
Moscow and Kyiv resume strikes after truce for envoys
The weekend visits by US envoys coincided with a three-day pause in strikes on each other’s capitals for safety. However, fresh attacks resumed shortly after, with authorities in Kyiv reporting seven deaths and 28 injuries in the surrounding region. Russian officials reported three deaths and 13 injuries in areas under their control. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga criticized the timing of the strikes, stating, "The moment the US president's peace envoys left, Putin launched another massive, horrific attack against Kyiv."
Prospects for trilateral talks
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff indicated that "substantive progress" was made during the weekend discussions, including movement toward scheduling additional trilateral talks involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not rule out such talks but stated it was "too early to say anything about the venue or exact dates." Zelenskyy confirmed that direct talks between Russia and Ukraine could resume in the coming weeks, with a preference for holding them in September if feasible.
Ongoing military stalemate and international support
Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia maintains it is close to achieving its military goals, while Western observers assess that Moscow has made no significant progress on the front lines. US Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby warned that the conflict could drag on for years, requiring sustained international aid for Ukraine, particularly in air defense and energy supplies as winter approaches.
UK joins US in pushing for ceasefire
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Trump agreed during a phone call to continue working toward a ceasefire, reaffirming the UK’s support for Ukraine and recent US-led peace negotiations. The agreement follows the envoys’ visits and underscores broader Western efforts to facilitate a resolution to the war, now in its fifth year.