The assistant to the Russian president, Yuri Ushakov, reported that the dialogue lasted about an hour. The key topic of the conversation was Ukraine.
Trump once again raised the issue of the need for a swift cessation of hostilities. In response, according to Ushakov, Putin stated that Russia continues to seek a political-diplomatic resolution to the conflict but will not retreat from the set goals.
«Overall, the conversation, as always between these two leaders, was on the same wavelength, candid, businesslike, and specific. The presidents, naturally, will continue their communication. Such an agreement exists», — Ushakov commented on the conversation, adding that today they did not discuss the possibility of a meeting, but «this idea is in the air».
Reuters noted that this was the sixth publicly known conversation since Trump's inauguration in January. The last time they spoke was in mid-June.
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian source told Reuters that on Friday, Trump might hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They are expected to discuss the sudden halt of some key types of American arms supplies to Kyiv, with Zelensky expected to raise the issue of potential future arms sales, reported the Financial Times on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Zelensky commented in advance on the conversation between Trump and Putin. «I don't know. I'm not sure they have many common ideas, common topics for conversation, because they are very different people», — stated the President of Ukraine.