Vladimir Putin is poised to respond to a significant drone assault carried out by Ukraine on Russian airbases, according to a warning from former US President Donald Trump. During a recent conversation with Putin, Trump conveyed the Russian president’s strong intent to retaliate for the attack, which specifically targeted airfields said to house nuclear-capable long-range bombers. Trump stated, “President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields.”
Ongoing tensions and diplomatic discussions
In a social media update following the phone call, which lasted over an hour, Trump emphasized that this dialogue would not lead to immediate peace between Russia and Ukraine. The discussions also navigated through the topic of Iran, with Trump indicating that Putin might assist in nuclear negotiations with the nation.
As reported by Russia’s RIA Novosti, a state-run news agency, Putin expressed concerns about Ukraine attempting to “disrupt” diplomatic efforts and accused the Kyiv government of transforming into a “terrorist organisation.” The conversation also touched upon the potential for renewed cooperation between the nations, which both leaders recognized as having significant possibilities.
U.S. response and ongoing negotiations
This phone call marks the first interaction between the two leaders since Ukraine conducted a surprise drone attack on June 1. The Kremlin later clarified that Trump informed Putin the United States had not been forewarned about the drone strike.
In the previous week, Trump had set a two-week ultimatum for Putin, signaling a shift in the U.S. stance if he felt Putin was not genuinely engaging in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. Despite this, there was no mention of such a deadline in his latest social media post, leading to speculation about the evolving dynamics of the situation.
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, was scheduled to meet with U.S. Senators in Washington to discuss military aid and strategies to mitigate the conflict. Yermak noted that the discussions would cover “defense support and the situation on the battlefield,” sanctions against Russia, and a reconstruction investment fund that had been previously established.
The backdrop to these discussions is the recent peace talks held in Istanbul, which concluded without significant progress, although both sides did agree to exchange additional prisoners of war. Ukrainian representatives highlighted that Russia had rejected an “unconditional ceasefire,” a key demand from Kyiv and its Western allies, including the United States.
Trump has frequently asserted his belief that progress is being made towards resolution, despite the ongoing violence and aerial attacks from both sides.
On the call, Trump and Putin also discussed Iran, with Trump asserting their mutual agreement on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapon capabilities. He mentioned that the U.S. had proposed a cessation of Iran’s enriched uranium production, which is critical for both reactor fuel and nuclear weapons, suggesting that reliance on a regional consortium for supplies could be a viable alternative.
Trump indicated that Putin “suggested that he will participate in discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion.” He added, “It is my opinion that Iran has been slow walking their decision on this very important matter. We will need a definitive answer in a very short period of time.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly criticized the U.S. proposal, asserting that it will not halt the country’s uranium enrichment activities.