Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin held a phone call on Sept. 8. The sides exchanged views on the results of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s visits to Moscow and Kyiv, Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov said.
Ushakov described the conversation as “constructive and very frank.” He declined to disclose details due to the confidential nature of the conversation.
“The conversation focused on issues related to a settlement in Ukraine, which is understandable. Donald Trump clearly emphasized the desirability of ending the conflict as soon as possible, which would immediately open up prospects — impressive and far-reaching ones — for a full restoration of relations between the United States and Russia. In his view, this would be particularly reflected in trade and economic ties, promising enormous benefits for both states.
Donald Trump is interested in achieving a breakthrough during his presidency. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin supported this approach in the context of potentially building a constructive partnership between the two great powers,” Ushakov said.
According to Putin’s aide, Russia positively assessed the results of Witkoff and Kushner’s visit and intends to continue working through this channel. Putin also positively assessed U.S. mediation efforts.
Putin told Trump about the situation on the battlefield and outlined what the United States could do to help end the hostilities.
Putin also assured Trump that Russia has no aggressive plans toward Europe.
“In light of speculation about Russia’s alleged hostile intentions toward European states, it was emphasized that we have no aggressive plans toward Europe whatsoever. The myths about the Russian threat being spread serve Europeans merely as a cover for increasing support for Ukraine and their own military spending,” Ushakov said.
Humanitarian issues were also discussed, including exchanges of detainees and convicted prisoners.
