Trump Holds ‘Lengthy’ Call With Putin Ahead Of Hosting Zelenskyy For Key Arms Talks
US President Donald Trump engaged in a “lengthy conversation” with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, a high-stakes diplomatic move coming just a day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit the White House to plead for more advanced weaponry. The direct communication between the two leaders underscores the delicate balancing act Washington is performing as it tries to manage the escalating conflict.Trump himself confirmed the discussion on his Truth Social platform, posting mid-call: “The conversation is ongoing, a lengthy one, and I will report the contents, as will President Putin, at its conclusion.”
The White House did not immediately provide further details on the nature of the talks.The call took place as Zelenskyy prepared to press Trump for sophisticated military aid, including long-range Tomahawk missiles that could put Moscow and other major Russian cities within Ukraine’s striking distance. Trump has previously indicated he might authorize the supply of such weapons if Putin continues to resist negotiating an end to the war.
Zelenskyy’s visit comes amid a brutal new wave of Russian attacks aimed at crippling Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian president reported that Russia launched over 300 drones and 37 missiles in overnight strikes on Thursday alone, part of a sustained campaign targeting critical systems as the war drags into its fourth year.
President Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to end the conflict, has recently expressed growing frustration with Putin’s continued aggression. His direct engagement with the Russian leader ahead of meeting Zelenskyy signals a dual-track approach: keeping lines of communication open with Moscow while simultaneously considering a significant military escalation in support of Kyiv.
