Trump Tells Putin He Wants Swift End to Ukraine War and Restoration of US-Russia Ties
U.S. President Donald Trump told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he wants a swift end to the Ukraine war, the Kremlin said. Trump also argued that ending the conflict could help restore broader US-Russia relations. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin supported the approach during their phone call, which lasted about one hour. The conversation followed weekend diplomacy by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who traveled to Moscow and Kyiv to revive stalled peace efforts. The discussions signal renewed efforts by Washington to push both sides toward a possible settlement.
Ushakov said the leaders viewed the recent diplomacy positively and saw potential for wider cooperation if the war ends. In addition, an agreement could create opportunities to rebuild US-Russia ties, including trade and economic cooperation. For now, however, the latest talks mark only another step toward peace, with a durable settlement still dependent on difficult negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. However, Russia and Ukraine still face difficult disagreements, while Washington must balance pressure on both sides.
Trump-Putin Call Follows Witkoff And Kushner’s Moscow-Kyiv Diplomacy
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have taken a central role in Washington’s renewed push for Ukraine peace talks. On September 5, they met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for more than three hours. The discussions examined possible steps to end the war, although they produced no immediate breakthrough. The envoys then traveled to Kyiv on September 6, where they met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They discussed security guarantees, energy infrastructure, air defense and prisoner exchanges. Zelenskyy said the envoys had brought some useful ideas, keeping hopes for further negotiations alive.
The Moscow-Kyiv diplomacy also has raised the possibility of renewed trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said both Trump and Putin viewed the envoys’ efforts positively. Putin also gave Trump his assessment of the battlefield during their call and said Russia had no hostile plans toward Europe. However, major differences over territory and the terms of a peace agreement remain unresolved.
What Must Russia and Ukraine Settle to End the War?
The biggest obstacle to ending the Russia-Ukraine war remains the status of territories that Russia controls, particularly parts of Donbas and other occupied areas. Moscow and Kyiv have sharply different positions on territorial control, making the issue central to any peace agreement. However, Russia opposes Ukraine joining NATO, so negotiators may need to consider an alternative security arrangement. In addition, both sides will have to agree on a lasting ceasefire, military deployments and future security measures. The release and exchange of prisoners of war could also become an important part of a broader settlement.
The future of Western sanctions on Russia will present another difficult question, including when and under what conditions they could be eased. Ukraine will also need substantial reconstruction funding to rebuild its cities, energy networks and economy. However, Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on territory and security arrangements. Recent U.S. led diplomacy may have opened a path toward negotiations, but lasting peace will depend on whether both sides can turn these difficult issues into practical agreements.
Web Resources On Trump Wants Swift End to Ukraine War, US-Russia Ties Restored
1. Reuters : Trump told Putin he wants swift end to Ukraine war and US-Russia ties restored, Kremlin says.
2. US News : Trump Told Putin He Wants Swift End to Ukraine War and US-Russia Ties Restored, Kremlin Says.
3. Straits Times : Putin and Trump discuss Ukraine in ‘extremely frank’ call.