Trump Holds Key Talks with Putin on Ukraine Conflict and Iran Nuclear Issue
ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump engaged in a significant phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing critical issues related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Iranโs nuclear program.
The conversation lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes, during which Trump revealed that Putin had made a strong commitment to respond to Ukraineโs recent drone attack on Russian military bombers.
Despite the talks, Trump made it clear that no immediate peace between Russia and Ukraine is expected, with tensions remaining high following Russiaโs invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The recent Ukrainian drone strike targeted Russian airbases and reportedly destroyed several costly nuclear-capable bombers, escalating hostilities further.
Dialogue on Ukraine Conflict
Trump described the conversation as โgood,โ but stressed that it would not bring about a quick resolution. He said Putin โvery stronglyโ indicated that Russia would retaliate against the attack on its docked aircraft.
The US president did not disclose if he had warned Putin against retaliatory actions, amid Washingtonโs ongoing military and financial support for Kyiv in the conflict.
Trumpโs position has been complex, at times causing concern among Ukrainian officials and Western allies, given his previous rhetoric which some perceived as favorable toward Putin. However, the call reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two powers despite deep disagreements.
Cooperation Prospects on Iran Nuclear Talks
The discussion also turned to Iranโs controversial nuclear program.
Trump stated that Putin offered to participate in negotiations with Tehran, aiming to facilitate a swift resolution. Both leaders reportedly agree that Iran should not obtain nuclear weapons.
Trump criticized Iran for โslow walkingโ its response to US proposals and urged Tehran to make a โdefinitiveโ decision soon.
Meanwhile, Russia has expressed readiness to help advance the nuclear talks, though Iranโs Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei rejected Washingtonโs offer, citing national interests.
This dialogue highlights a rare area of potential cooperation between the US and Russia amidst broader geopolitical tensions.
