President Donald Trump expressed disappointment Thursday after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to generate progress toward ending the war in Ukraine, The Hill reported.
Despite efforts to encourage a ceasefire, Trump reported no success in persuading Putin to alter Russia's course in the ongoing Eastern European conflict.
Their conversation was held the same day the U.S. paused select weapons shipments to Ukraine, marking a tense moment in U.S.-Russia relations.
Trump described the call as long and said the leaders also discussed Iran, though the main focus was Russia’s war in Ukraine. It was the first conversation between the two since delays in U.S. military aid.
After a campaign stop in Iowa, Trump told reporters he was “very disappointed,” stating that Putin did not indicate wanting to end the war. He expressed concern over Putin's unwillingness to shift course.
“I didn’t make any progress with him today at all,” Trump told the press, highlighting the lack of diplomatic advancement after the highly anticipated phone call.
Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov confirmed that Putin made it clear Russia would not change its military objectives in Ukraine. He emphasized Moscow’s continued focus on its current goals.
Though Putin showed openness to further talks with Kyiv, the Kremlin said the Pentagon’s halt in weapon deliveries was not mentioned during the call. Russia's position remained unchanged.
Trump criticized former President Joe Biden for exhausting U.S. munitions, asserting the country needed to restock for its own security. He framed this as a reason for a balanced foreign aid policy.
The U.S. continues to provide military support to Ukraine, despite recent pauses. “We’re giving weapons … and we’re working with them and trying to help them,” Trump said.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining American defense readiness while supporting Ukraine. Trump’s comments reflect a strategic balancing act aimed at both domestic and international audiences.
He has repeatedly positioned himself as a unique candidate capable of negotiating an end to what he described as the largest land war in Europe since World War II.
Hours after the Trump-Putin call, Ukraine was hit by a large Russian aerial assault involving more than 540 drones. Kyiv and nearby cities were among the targets, according to Ukrainian officials.
Zelensky said air raid alarms began soon after news of the Trump-Putin call broke. He wrote that the timing underscored Russia’s disregard for any peace efforts.
“Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror,” Zelensky stated on social media, reinforcing Ukraine’s view that Russia remains committed to continued aggression.
