Putin and Trump discussed Ukraine conflict

According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on December 28, 2025. The 1 hour and 15 minute call was initiated by the American side and primarily focused on discussing the current situation in the Ukrainian conflict and possible ways to resolve it.

At the beginning of the conversation, the presidents exchanged holiday greetings for Christmas and the New Year, wishing well-being to the peoples of both countries. According to Ushakov, the entire dialogue was friendly, cordial, and businesslike, with an emphasis on advancing toward a peaceful and long-term resolution.

Trump listened to Russia's assessment of the real prospects for an agreement, and Putin stressed the importance of adhering to the principles established at previous meetings, including the Anchorage summit. Both leaders agreed that a temporary ceasefire proposed by Ukraine and European parties would only delay the conflict and could lead to a resumption of hostilities.

It was mentioned that, above all, a bold and responsible political decision from Kyiv on Donbas, taking into account the frontline situation, is necessary for a final cessation of hostilities. Trump emphasized the need to end the war as soon as possible and noted prospects for economic cooperation between the U.S. and Russia, as well as with Ukraine.

Putin and Trump agreed to establish two working groups: the first on security issues, the second on the economic sphere, with a planned start in early January. Additionally, the parties agreed to hold another phone call after Trump's meeting with the Ukrainian delegation in Mar-a-Lago.

Context

The call preceded Trump's meeting with the Ukrainian president in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.