Putin and Trump spoke on the phone. Kremlin leader wants one-day pause in Ukraine war, White House chief 'supports initiative'

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone with his American counterpart Donald Trump, the Russian president's diplomatic adviser, Yuri Ushakov, announced on Wednesday, stating that the two leaders mainly discussed the war in the Middle East. Putin also proposed a new truce in Ukraine, reports AFP.

“The presidents paid special attention to the situation in Iran and the Persian Gulf,” Ushakov said, noting that the Kremlin leader presented the White House leader with ideas on how to resolve the conflict over Iran's nuclear program, but did not give details.

Ushakov added that “Vladimir Putin believes that Donald Trump's decision to extend the truce with Iran is the right one, because it should give a chance to negotiations and, as a whole, contribute to stabilizing the situation.”

Wednesday's “friendly and professional” conversation, which lasted more than an hour and a half, according to the Kremlin, was the first publicly announced between the two leaders since March 9, nine days after the US and Israel launched war on Iran.

Putin wants truce in Ukraine on “Victory Day”

Vladimir Putin has also proposed an armistice in Russia's war in Ukraine for May 9, the day Russia celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, the Kremlin said, adding that Donald Trump reacted positively and supports the initiative.

During the same telephone conversation with his American counterpart, Putin conveyed that he is ready to “declare a truce during the Victory Day festivities,” Russian presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov told the press.

According to him, Trump “actively supported this initiative, noting that this holiday marks our common victory.”

Putin announced a similar truce last year for three days, but it was not agreed with Kiev.

From 2023, Ukraine celebrates the 1945 victory on May 8, just like Western countries.