Putin and Trump discussed Iran and Ukraine, give a chance to negotiations

(Patria) - Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with his American counterpart Donald Trump, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said on Wednesday, adding that the two leaders discussed the war in the Middle East and Ukraine, AFP reported.

The call lasted more than ninety minutes and was "frank and business-like," Ushakov told reporters.

The presidents "paid special attention to the situation regarding Iran and the Persian Gulf," Ushakov said.

"Vladimir Putin believes that Donald Trump's decision to extend the truce with Iran is correct, as it should give a chance to negotiations and, in general, help stabilize the situation."

Putin "pointed out the inevitable and extremely harmful consequences not only for Iran and its neighbors, but also for the entire international community, if the US and Israel resort to military action again," he said.

He added that Russia is "firmly committed to providing all possible assistance to diplomatic efforts" regarding the war in the Middle East and said the call was held at Moscow's initiative.

In Washington, Trump told reporters that he had a "very good conversation" with Putin, although he said the conversation focused more on the war in Ukraine than on Iran.

Trump added that Putin wants to "help" end the US-Israeli war against Iran, but told the Russian leader to end the invasion of Ukraine first.

Ceasefire offer in Ukraine

Ushakov also informed reporters about the conversation between the two leaders about the war in Ukraine, which is now in its fifth year after Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022.

"At Trump's request, Vladimir Putin described the current situation along the contact line, where our troops hold the strategic initiative and are pushing back enemy positions," Ushakov told reporters.

"Both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump expressed essentially similar assessments of the behavior of the Kyiv regime led by (Volodymyr) Zelensky, which, encouraged and supported by the Europeans, is pursuing a policy of prolonging the conflict."

Putin said he was ready to "declare a ceasefire during the Victory Day celebrations. Trump actively supported this initiative, noting that the holiday marks our common victory," Ushakov said.

Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9 in memory of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, which is celebrated annually with a military parade in the center of Moscow.

This year's event will be scaled down as a precautionary measure given the threat of Ukrainian retaliation, the Kremlin announced earlier on Wednesday.