Putin, Trump hold 90-minute call on Iran, Ukraine war: Russia proposes Kyiv ceasefire for Victory Day
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a phone call on Wednesday where both leaders discussed about on the ongoing Middle East war and the broader geopolitical situation, including the war in Ukraine.The conversation, which lasted around 1.5 hours, marked the first known direct contact between the two leaders since March and covered key issues ranging from Iran to potential ceasefire efforts in Ukraine.According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the two leaders held detailed discussions on the escalating situation in the Middle East.“The presidents paid particular attention to the situation regarding Iran and in the Persian Gulf,” Ushakov said while briefing reporters.He added that President Putin backed Trump’s recent move related to Iran. “Vladimir Putin considers Donald Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran to be the right one, as this should give negotiations a chance and, overall, help to stabilise the situation,” Ushakov said.Putin warned his US counterpart against ‘damaging consequences’ of a new military action in Iran, according to Times of Israel. Putin ‘highlighted the inevitable and extremely damaging consequences not only for Iran and its neighbors, but also for the entire international community, should the US and Israel resort to military action once again,” Ushakov said.Beyond the Middle East, the call also addressed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Putin reportedly proposed a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, marking the anniversary of the end of World War II.Ushakov said the Russian leader expressed readiness for a truce during the commemorations, suggesting it could serve as a step toward broader peace negotiations, Reuters reported.