The Kremlin has shared details of a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, which was initiated by the American side. The statement was made by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, according to Russian media.
According to Ushakov, the conversation lasted one hour and 15 minutes. The two leaders discussed the war in Ukraine and, as the Kremlin claims, expressed similar views that a temporary ceasefire would only prolong the conflict. Trump reportedly said that the war in Ukraine has been the most difficult challenge for him and stressed the need to end it as soon as possible.
The Kremlin also said that Putin agreed with Trump’s proposal to continue working on a settlement through specially created working groups. Details of these groups are expected to be announced in early January.
In addition, Putin and Trump agreed to hold another phone call after the US president meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Kremlin described the conversation as “friendly, constructive and businesslike,” noting that the leaders also exchanged New Year greetings.