Russian President Vladimir Putin recently spoke with US President Donald Trump over the phone, marking their fourth conversation this year. The call, which took place as the US celebrated its 250th Independence Day, was described as business-focused and productive by Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov. They engaged in a frank discussion on various pressing matters on both the bilateral and international fronts.
During the call, Putin highlighted the current situation on the battlefield, particularly the advancement of Russian troops along the contact line. Ushakov emphasized that there is a misperception among European nations regarding the dynamics and realities of the conflict in Ukraine. The two leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication on military, political, and economic issues to explore opportunities for cooperation.
Addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict, both presidents acknowledged the need for a resolution as a crucial step towards enhancing cooperation between their countries. Ushakov criticized Kyiv and its European allies for allegedly prolonging and escalating the conflict, including engaging in acts of terrorism against civilians. He specifically mentioned Ukraine’s recent strikes on Russian targets, leading to fuel shortages in certain regions.
In a related development, Russia’s presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could visit Moscow for a meeting with President Putin once he is prepared to make important decisions. Peskov responded to Zelensky’s proposal to meet in Kostiantynivka, clarifying that Putin is open to hosting Zelensky in Moscow, as it is the capital of Russia.
