Putin and Trump Hold One-Hour Phone Call on Ukraine Settlement and Prospects for Restoring Russia–US Relations
Dragon Media News Desk
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a one-hour telephone conversation on September 8, with the discussion focusing primarily on the settlement of the Ukraine conflict and the prospects for restoring broader Russia–US relations.
According to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, the conversation was constructive, frank and conducted in a respectful, business-like manner. The two presidents exchanged views on the visits made by US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow and Kyiv on September 5 and 6.
Ushakov said the outcome of those visits was assessed positively and that contacts through this channel, as well as through other diplomatic mechanisms, would continue.
The Ukraine conflict was the central issue in the conversation. According to Ushakov, Trump directly expressed the view that the conflict should be brought to an end as soon as possible. He said such a development could open wide-ranging opportunities for the full restoration of relations between the United States and Russia, particularly in trade and economic cooperation.
Ushakov said Trump believes improved economic ties could bring major benefits to both countries and is interested in achieving a diplomatic breakthrough during his presidency.
Putin supported this approach in the context of the possible development of a constructive partnership between the two countries, according to the Kremlin aide. He also praised the mediation efforts of the United States and Trump personally in seeking a settlement to the Ukraine conflict.
The Russian side also presented its assessment of the current battlefield situation and the progress of what Moscow calls its “special military operation.” Ushakov said Russia outlined practical steps that, in its view, the United States could take to help accelerate an end to hostilities, but he did not disclose details because of the confidential nature of the conversation.
The discussion also touched on concerns in Europe about possible Russian aggression. According to Ushakov, the Russian side stressed that Moscow has no plans to attack European countries and argued that warnings about a “Russian threat” are being used to justify continued European support for Ukraine and higher military spending. This reflects the official position presented by the Kremlin.
Humanitarian issues were also discussed. Putin and Trump agreed to continue work on detainee and prisoner exchanges. Ushakov said Putin also noted the efforts of US First Lady Melania Trump concerning the return of Russian and Ukrainian children to their families.
Ushakov described the overall tone of the call as positive. The two presidents agreed to remain in contact and to speak again by telephone when necessary as diplomatic efforts concerning Ukraine and bilateral relations continue.
