Trump and Putin Discuss Ukraine Drone Strikes, Iran During 75-Minute Call
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin held a 75-minute call discussing Ukraine’s drone strikes and Iran’s nuclear negotiations. Trump described the conversation as positive but not conducive to immediate peace. Putin pledged to respond to the attacks. Trump indicated Putin might assist in Iran talks, stressing the urgency in approaching a nuclear deal that prevents Iran from developing such weapons.
Former President Donald Trump revealed on social media that he had a 75-minute conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussion primarily focused on recent drone strikes by Ukraine on Russian military targets as well as ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran. Trump’s characterization of the call was rather cautious, noting, “It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace.”
During the call, Putin expressed strong intentions to retaliate against the drone strikes, which had targeted airbases in Russia. Trump emphasized that Putin appeared quite resolute in his position, stating, “President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields.” This reflects Putin’s ongoing commitment to addressing Ukraine’s military actions, despite the developing complexities of the war.
Interestingly, Trump has been critical of Putin’s military strategies in the past, especially in light of increased drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. However, he refrained from echoing criticism in his social media update about the recent phone call with the Russian leader.
The recent communication follows a lackluster round of negotiations in Istanbul aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over three years now. Trump has publicly expressed his interest in brokering a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, given the longstanding tensions that have resulted in extensive casualties and economic fallout.
In another interesting development, Trump mentioned that he updated Putin on his attempts to finalize a nuclear agreement with Iran. He underscored the urgency of reaching a deal, stressing that Iran shouldn’t be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Trump noted that he believed Putin shared this viewpoint: “President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion.” This exposes a potential diplomatic avenue where the relationship between the U.S. and Russia might navigate shared concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
In summary, Trump’s 75-minute call with Putin highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding Ukraine’s military actions and the importance of nuclear negotiations with Iran. Despite Trump’s past criticisms of Putin, the conversation avoided direct criticism. The outcome suggests a complicated path ahead, illustrating challenges in achieving peace in Ukraine and collaborative diplomatic efforts concerning Iran. Trump’s engagement appears to emphasize urgency while also hinting at a cooperative tone from Putin, especially on Iran.
Original Source: www.npr.org
