Putin, Trump Discuss Ukraine, Territories, and Peace Talks

In their sixth phone call since January, Russian President Vladimir Putin told US President Donald Trump that Russia will not back down from its original objectives in Ukraine, including addressing Ukraine's NATO aspirations and asserting control over territories seized since 2022. Trump reiterated the need to end hostilities quickly, but the Kremlin signaled no change in its position. Putin also updated Trump on recent prisoner and casualty exchange agreements with Ukraine and expressed readiness for continued negotiations with Kyiv. The nearly hour-long call included discussions on global issues such as Middle East tensions and the importance of diplomatic efforts. Although the pause in US weapons deliveries to Ukraine coincided with the call, it was reportedly not discussed by the two leaders. Ukrainian and Western officials continue to reject Russia's stated reasons for the invasion, labeling them as pretexts for aggression.