Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held an hour-long telephone conversation on Tuesday, discussing renewed efforts to revive peace negotiations over the war in Ukraine and the recent diplomatic engagements of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow and Kyiv.

The call came days after Witkoff and Kushner met Putin in Moscow on September 5 and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on September 6, as Washington sought to restart diplomatic efforts to end a war that has continued without a breakthrough.

Kremlin Calls Trump-Putin Conversation ‘Constructive And Frank’

Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov described the conversation between the two leaders as “constructive and frank”, saying Trump made clear his desire to bring the conflict to an end as quickly as possible.

Putin, meanwhile, briefed Trump on Moscow’s assessment of developments on the battlefield, according to Ushakov.

The Kremlin said both leaders viewed the recent diplomatic contacts involving Witkoff and Kushner positively. Putin also outlined what he believed the United States could do to facilitate an end to the fighting.

Ushakov said Trump argued that a settlement of the conflict could create the conditions for a much broader improvement in relations between Washington and Moscow.

“Donald Trump clearly emphasised the desirability of bringing the conflict to an end as soon as possible, which would immediately open up prospects — impressive and far-reaching ones at that — for the full restoration of relations between the US and Russia,” Ushakov said.

“In his view, this would have a particular impact on trade and economic ties, promising enormous benefits for both countries. Donald Trump is keen to see a breakthrough achieved during his presidency. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin supported this approach”.

The two leaders agreed to remain in contact and speak again by telephone if necessary, Ushakov said. They also agreed on the importance of continuing prisoner exchanges.

Putin Discusses Battlefield And Europe’s Concerns

According to Ushakov, Putin used the conversation to present Russia’s assessment of the battlefield and discuss possible measures the United States could take to support efforts to end the conflict.

The Kremlin adviser said the Russian president also sought to address concerns expressed in Europe over Moscow’s intentions towards other countries on the continent.

“In view of the speculation about Russia’s alleged hostile intentions toward European countries, it was underlined that we don’t have any aggressive plans regarding Europe,” Ushakov told reporters.

The discussion took place against the backdrop of continued fighting along the extensive front line, where Russian and Ukrainian forces remain engaged without either side securing a decisive breakthrough capable of ending the war.

Zelenskyy Sees ‘Very Good’ Ideas In US Proposals

Kyiv has responded cautiously but positively to the latest US diplomatic initiative, with Zelenskyy saying Witkoff and Kushner had presented proposals that could provide a basis for further discussions.

The Ukrainian president said the ideas would require careful consideration but acknowledged that some of the proposals were worthwhile.

“As for the peace package that Kushner spoke about and the new ideas, I’ll tell you frankly, there were indeed a couple of very good, worthwhile ideas,” Zelenskyy said in audio messages answering reporters’ questions.

Zelenskyy also said he hoped to meet Trump around September 20, when world leaders are expected to gather in New York for the UN General Assembly.

His priorities for a potential meeting would include strengthening Ukraine’s air defences, particularly through additional Patriot systems, as Russian forces continue to rely heavily on drones and ballistic missiles in attacks on Ukrainian targets.

Ukraine Seeks More Air Defence Support

Ukraine has said it requires significant additional air-defence capabilities and interceptor missiles from its partners to counter continuing Russian attacks.

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Kyiv needed 300 Patriot missiles from partner stocks, 500 air-to-air interceptors and $2 billion to acquire additional drones.

The European Commission has also approved a 3.2 billion euro ($3.7 billion) loan for Ukraine to purchase components for Patriot air-defence systems, according to Ukraine’s Defence Ministry.

The need for additional military support remains closely connected to Kyiv’s approach to negotiations, with Ukraine seeking stronger security guarantees while continuing to explore diplomatic options for ending the war.

Kyiv Signals Openness To Further Three-Way Talks

Zelenskyy said negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States could resume in the autumn, signalling that Kyiv remained open to renewed discussions despite the lack of a breakthrough so far.

He also suggested that Ukraine could consider compromises on issues including grain exports and energy as part of a broader negotiating process.

The prospect of another round of three-way talks has gained attention following the separate meetings Witkoff and Kushner held with Putin and Zelenskyy over the weekend.

The visits represented a fresh attempt by the Trump administration to narrow differences between Moscow and Kyiv after earlier diplomatic efforts failed to produce a lasting settlement.

Moscow Maintains Its Military Objectives

Despite renewed diplomatic activity, Moscow has not indicated that it intends to abandon its military objectives.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia remained determined to achieve its goals on the battlefield and claimed that “victory is very close”.

“We’re very confident in our military potential,” Peskov told reporters, while also saying that Moscow wanted a peaceful settlement and welcomed Trump’s diplomatic efforts.

Ushakov said Putin had also briefed Trump on Russia’s plans to make further gains on the battlefield and achieve its stated military objectives.

The latest Trump-Putin call and the weekend visits by US envoys have injected fresh momentum into diplomatic efforts, but continued fighting and sharply differing positions between Moscow and Kyiv remain significant obstacles to a settlement.

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