Putin and Trump Discuss Energy Cooperation and Diplomatic Solutions

Dragon Media News Desk

A telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump took place late on October 9 and lasted about an hour and a half. The leaders discussed bilateral economic cooperation, the conflict in Ukraine and the situation surrounding Iran, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said.

According to Ushakov, Trump told U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff during a conversation on October 7 that he wanted to call Putin personally to wish him a happy birthday. The two presidents’ schedules were coordinated, and the call took place on October 9. Trump wished Putin success and well-being and also conveyed greetings from his wife, Melania. Putin thanked him, saying Russia valued the attention Trump and his team devoted to dialogue with Russia despite their busy domestic and Middle East agendas.

Putin also expressed gratitude to Melania Trump for her humanitarian work, particularly her efforts to reunite children separated from their families during the conflict in Ukraine, Ushakov said. The leaders also discussed the humanitarian situation in Alyoshki, in the Kherson region. Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova will remain in regular contact with Melania’s office, Ushakov added.

The leaders discussed preparations for economic initiatives, including the possible supply of Russian petroleum products to the U.S. and global markets. During the discussion of global energy markets, the Russian side confirmed its readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to the United States and other markets.

On Ukraine, Putin accused Kyiv of carrying out drone attacks targeting Moscow, other cities, polling stations and people involved in organizing Russia’s State Duma elections. He said the attacks had undermined the prospect of an immediate resumption of trilateral talks. Russia would consider when negotiations could resume, Putin said. Trump said he would instruct his team to convey the relevant messages to the Ukrainian delegation, which is in Miami for meetings with U.S. representatives.

Putin said diplomatic options for resolving the situation around Iran had not been exhausted and that an agreement with Tehran was both possible and necessary. He said he had discussed the matter in detail the previous day with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Turkmenistan. Putin also noted that the United States continued indirect contacts with Iran through Qatar. According to Ushakov, Trump welcomed Moscow’s involvement in efforts to resolve the situation.