Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call lasting over 90 minutes on Wednesday, during which they discussed the ongoing war in Iran and floated the idea of a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine.
Putin's Stance on Iran
According to Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy adviser, the Russian president expressed concern over the prospect of a U.S. ground operation in Iran, deeming it dangerous. However, Putin welcomed Trump's decision to extend a ceasefire in the region. Russia, an ally of Iran, has largely been sidelined in diplomatic efforts regarding the Iran war, though Western intelligence agencies claim Moscow continues to provide support, including intelligence and drones, to strike U.S. targets in the area.
Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal
During the conversation, Putin offered his assistance in taking Iran's buried uranium to Russia, but Trump indicated he preferred the Russian leader to focus on ending the war in Ukraine. Trump reiterated his belief that a deal to end the conflict was close, despite persistent differences between the two sides. Putin has signaled a willingness to continue fighting unless Ukraine cedes territory in the Donbas, a condition that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently rejected.
Military Situation
Putin told Trump that Russian forces retain the initiative and are pushing back Ukrainian positions. However, military analysts and open-source intelligence suggest neither side is close to a breakthrough. Russian advances have slowed in recent months, with both armies showing signs of exhaustion and sustaining heavy casualties. Both sides continue to target each other's energy infrastructure.
In previous conversations, Putin has sought to convince Trump that Russia is winning the war, a view Trump has at times echoed. Trump has alternated between blaming Moscow and Kyiv for the ongoing fighting but has recently placed greater responsibility on Ukraine.
Victory Day Parade Scaled Back
Earlier on Wednesday, the Kremlin announced it would scale back this year's Victory Day parade due to the threat from Ukrainian long-range drone strikes. For the first time in nearly two decades, no military hardware will be displayed. These drone attacks have largely targeted industrial and military sites, including oil infrastructure and logistics hubs, sometimes causing large fires and civilian evacuations.
Ceasefire Scepticism
Ukraine remains sceptical of short-term ceasefire proposals from Moscow, accusing Russia of using such pauses to regroup and prepare further attacks. Ushakov said Putin expressed readiness to announce a temporary ceasefire proposed by Trump to coincide with Victory Day celebrations.
At one point, Trump told reporters that Ukraine's military had been defeated, claiming the country had lost all its ships and planes. It appeared he was confusing Ukraine with Iran, as he has previously used similar language when claiming success for the U.S. operation against Iran.
