U.S. and Russian leaders explore temporary truce tied to World War II anniversary, while also touching on Iran’s uranium issue during extended conversation
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he discussed a potential ceasefire in the four-year war in Ukraine during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
His remarks came after the Kremlin reported that the two leaders had spoken about a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the upcoming anniversary marking the end of World War II.
“We had a good talk, I’ve known him a long time,” Trump said. Their last publicly reported call took place on March 9, though Trump has indicated they remain in regular contact.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office while meeting with astronauts from the Artemis II mission, Trump said he suggested “a little bit of a ceasefire” during the conversation.
“And I think he might do that,” Trump said, before asking reporters whether Putin had already announced such a move.
Putin had announced a similar three-day truce last year, though it was not agreed upon with Kyiv.
Help With Iran’s Uranium
Trump also said Putin offered assistance regarding Iran’s enriched uranium, a central obstacle in efforts to reach a deal to end the Iran war. Trump said he declined the offer.
“I said I’d much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine,” he said. “I said, before you help me, I want to end your war.”
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov did not specify what proposals Putin made regarding Iran, though Moscow has previously offered to remove enriched uranium from the country.
Ushakov said Putin proposed the temporary ceasefire in Ukraine to align with May 9 celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II, adding that Trump responded positively.
He also noted that the conversation, described as friendly and businesslike, lasted more than 90 minutes, during which Trump said he believed a deal to end the war in Ukraine was nearing completion.
