Trump speaks again with Putin as Ukraine war peace talks intensify

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has held another phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signalling intensified diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing Ukraine war.

The call came just one day after Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida. The White House described the discussion as positive, confirming it was the second conversation between Trump and Putin within 48 hours.

Russia confirmed the call through Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, who said Putin was briefed on ongoing negotiations involving Ukraine and US officials.

The conversation occurred amid rising tensions, with Russia accusing Ukraine of attempting a drone attack on President Putin’s residence. Moscow warned it may reassess its negotiating position following the incident.

Ukrainian President Zelensky rejected the claims, accusing Russia of spreading false narratives to derail US-led peace efforts. He said Moscow was using the allegations to justify further military actions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones, all of which were intercepted without causing damage. Russia has labelled the incident as state terrorism.

Following talks with Zelensky, Trump said a peace agreement to end the nearly four-year conflict is closer than ever, though key issues like territorial disputes and security guarantees remain unresolved.

Zelensky stated that any peace deal must be approved by Ukraine, Russia, the US, and Europe. He emphasised that long-term security guarantees are Kyiv’s top priority.

European leaders remain cautious, warning that a weak deal could embolden Russia. France has announced another meeting of Ukraine’s allies in Paris early next year to discuss next steps.

Sadiq Khan