Aide to the President of Russia Yury Ushakov: Colleagues, good evening.
President Vladimir Putin held another telephone conversation with President of the United States Donald Trump. The call lasted for more than an hour and a half. The exchange between the two presidents was conducted in a friendly manner and was frank and businesslike.
Understandably, Vladimir Putin began by expressing his sympathy and support for the President of the United States in connection with the assassination attempt against him on April 25 at the Washington Hilton hotel. Fortunately, neither Donald Trump himself, nor his spouse, nor any members of his entourage were harmed. The secret service was quick to neutralise the assailant. The Russian leader strongly condemned this crime and stressed, in particular, that politically motivated violence was unacceptable in any forms and manifestations.
It was also mentioned during the conversation that this dangerous incident occurred on the eve of the US First Lady’s birthday on April 26. President Vladimir Putin asked to convey his best wishes and noted her contribution to efforts aimed at facilitating the reunification of Russian and Ukrainian children with their families.
When discussing the international agenda, the presidents focused on the developments surrounding Iran and the Persian Gulf.
Vladimir Putin believes that Donald Trump was right to extend the ceasefire for Iran. This, he believes, will give negotiations a further chance and help stabilise the overall situation.
At the same time, the President of Russia pointed out that if the United States and Israel resume military action, this would inevitably lead to extremely adverse consequences not only for Iran and its neighbours, but for the entire international community. He stressed that a ground operation on Iranian territory would be particularly unacceptable and dangerous.
Russia remains firmly committed to facilitating diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution of this crisis, and has put forward several proposals to help address differences over the Iranian nuclear programme. To this end, active contacts with Iranian representatives, leaders of the Gulf countries, as well as with Israel, and, naturally, the negotiating team of the United States will continue.
Donald Trump outlined his assessment of the outcome of the concluded phase of the armed confrontation, as well as his views on the current difficult situation facing Iran and its leadership.
Regarding a settlement in Ukraine, the US President emphasised the importance of an early cessation of hostilities and his readiness to do everything in his power to facilitate this. His authorised representatives will continue contacts with both Moscow and Kiev. Donald Trump said he believes that an agreement that would bring the conflict in Ukraine to an end is close.
Replying to a question from Trump, Vladimir Putin described the current situation along the line of contact, where Russian forces retain the strategic initiative and are pushing back the opposing side. It was also noted that since the beginning of 2025, Russia has handed over more than 20,000 bodies of fallen Ukrainian servicemen, while Ukraine has returned just over 500 bodies of Russian servicemen.
Both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump expressed broadly similar views on the behaviour of the Kiev regime led by Zelensky, which, incited and supported by Europeans, is pursuing a course aimed at prolonging the conflict.
The Russian leader stated plainly that Kiev is resorting to overtly terrorist methods, targeting exclusively civilian facilities on Russian territory.
The President of Russia reaffirmed that the goals of the special military operation will be achieved in any event. At the same time, he noted that this outcome would preferably be reached through negotiations, for which Zelensky must respond constructively to the proposals that have been put forward repeatedly, including by the US side.
It is notable that Donald Trump expressed a positive view on the Easter ceasefire recently declared by Russia. In this connection, Vladimir Putin informed his American counterpart of Russia’s readiness to declare a ceasefire for the period of the Victory Day celebrations. President Trump actively supported this initiative, noting that the holiday marks the shared victory over Nazism in World War II.
When discussing Russian-US relations, both leaders pointed to the great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the economic and energy spheres. The presidents stated that their representatives are already engaged in substantive discussions on a number of large-scale economic projects.
The presidents agreed to maintain contacts going forward, both directly and at the level of their aides and representatives.
They concluded the conversation on a warm note, wishing each other all the best.
Question: On whose initiative was the telephone conversation held?
Yury Ushakov: I would like to note that it was initiated by the Russian side, by the President of Russia.
Thank you.