Trump–Putin phone call held

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump have held a phone conversation during which they discussed the Russia–Ukraine conflict and possible paths toward a settlement, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said.

Trump noted that he plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida to discuss issues related to a potential settlement. Ushakov described the phone call as friendly, constructive, and business-like.

He drew attention to the fact that they are looking at the fact from a logical perspective that the option of a temporary cessation of the war proposed by the Europeans only leads to the prolongation of the conflict.

According to Ushakov, a final end to the war would require a responsible political decision from Kyiv concerning Donbas. He said Trump emphasized the need to end the war as soon as possible and added that all details would be discussed during his meeting with Zelensky later today.

Ushakov also stated that during the conversation, the Russian president agreed to continue work through two working groups—one focusing on security issues and the other on economic matters. He added that the operating framework of the groups would become clear in early January.