US President Donald Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday while meeting European leaders at the White House. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov described the conversation as “frank and constructive.”

Trump and Putin Back Direct Talks

“Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump expressed support for the continuation of direct negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine,” Ushakov said. After his White House talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, Trump announced that he had called Putin and “began the arrangements” for a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy.

Key Takeaways from the Call

• The call lasted 40 minutes.

• Trump briefed Putin about his discussions with Zelenskyy and European leaders in the Oval Office.

• Both leaders urged direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations to continue.

• They discussed raising the level of Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

• Putin praised Trump’s efforts to help resolve the Ukraine crisis.

• Putin thanked Trump for his hospitality during the Alaska summit and for the progress achieved there.

• Both leaders agreed to stay in close contact on Ukraine and other global issues.

Plans for Zelenskyy-Putin Meeting

Momentum for peace grew after Trump confirmed the phone call. He said it followed a “very good” White House meeting with Zelenskyy and European leaders.

As a result, Putin and Zelenskyy are now expected to meet soon for a peace summit. If held, it would be their first face-to-face meeting since Russia’s invasion began more than three years ago.

The talks come at a crucial time as discussions now focus on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump, who has promised to quickly end the war, is positioning the summit as a breakthrough step.