Putin, Trump Discuss Middle East, Ukraine Peace Talks Resumption

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held their fifth phone call since Trump took office, focusing on the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and efforts to resolve the Ukraine war. Both leaders expressed concern over the Middle East tensions and did not rule out resuming negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, although Iran insists talks cannot resume amid Israeli attacks. Moscow signaled readiness to resume Ukraine peace talks after June 22, following ongoing prisoner and fallen soldier exchanges, with Trump reaffirming his interest in a swift conflict resolution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed reservations about the warming US-Russia tone and warned that a diversion of Western aid to the Middle East could undermine Ukraine's defense. Despite Iran's public rejection of negotiations under current conditions, there are indications Tehran might return to talks after its military response to Israeli strikes concludes. The discussions between Putin and Trump represent a notable shift in US policy compared to the previous administration, seeking to recalibrate relations with Russia amid complex international challenges.