US President Donald Trump surprised many on Monday, August 18, when he paused a White House meeting with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussion reportedly focused on efforts to reach a deal on Ukraine, according to AFP sources.
Lengthy Call in the Middle of Talks
The Kremlin confirmed that Trump spoke with Putin for about 40 minutes. The call happened while Trump was hosting Zelensky alongside leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Commission, and NATO.
Trump Hints at Contact with Putin
Earlier in the day, Trump had already suggested that a phone conversation with Putin was coming. This came just three days after their in-person meeting. He also met Zelenskyy and European officials at the White House before dialing Moscow.
“I just spoke to President Putin indirectly and we’re going to have a phone call right after these meetings today,” Trump told reporters during his Oval Office session with Zelenskyy.
The US President added that “we may or may not have a trilat” with Zelenskyy and Putin, leaving open the possibility of three-way talks.
A Hot Mic Moment with Macron
Before the European leaders joined the broader meeting in the East Room, an open microphone caught Trump speaking privately with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“I think he wants to make a deal. I think he wants to make a deal for me. You understand that? As crazy as that sounds,” Trump told Macron, apparently referring to Putin.
Kremlin Confirms but Keeps Details Quiet
Putin’s spokesperson later confirmed the phone call to Russian media. Several international outlets had already reported the exchange, citing sources close to the talks.
The call came earlier than expected, as Trump was not supposed to speak with Putin until after finishing his meetings with Zelenskyy and the European leaders. However, the Kremlin gave little information about what the two leaders discussed.
Meanwhile, negotiations between Trump, Zelensky, and the European leaders are still ongoing in Washington.