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U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to address recent drone strikes in the Russia–Ukraine conflict and mounting tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. The conversation, which lasted approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, was characterized by the Kremlin as “positive” and “productive.”
Trump stated that Putin strongly conveyed his intention to respond to Ukraine’s latest drone attack on Russian airfields. The strikes, which targeted docked aircraft, are part of the ongoing hostilities between Moscow and Kyiv.
The two leaders also discussed the state of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. Trump said he emphasized that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon” and criticized Tehran for delaying a clear decision on the matter. According to Trump, Putin suggested he could join diplomatic efforts to help bring the issue to a swift conclusion.
“It is my opinion that Iran has been slowwalking their decision on this very important matter, and we will need a definitive answer in a very short period of time,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Russian President Putin also held his first phone conversation with Pope Leo XIV. A Kremlin statement released via Telegram said the leaders exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and humanitarian concerns, describing the call as “constructive.”
Putin accused the Ukrainian government of intensifying the conflict by conducting sabotage operations against civilian infrastructure in Russia. He congratulated the newly elected pontiff and wished him success in “fulfilling such a high mission.”
The Kremlin noted that both sides agreed to build closer ties between Russia and the Holy See based on shared spiritual and moral values, aiming to contribute to a more just international order.
Putin reaffirmed his interest in achieving a political and diplomatic resolution to the war. He stressed the importance of addressing the “root causes” of the conflict and mentioned agreements reached during the second round of peace talks held in Istanbul. The Russian president also said Moscow is taking steps to reunite children affected by the conflict with their families.
Gratitude was expressed for the Vatican’s readiness to support humanitarian efforts on an impartial basis. Both the Kremlin and the Vatican reportedly agreed to maintain open lines of communication.
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