Putin and Trump discuss Ukraine; Zelensky hopes for September meeting
The Russian and US presidents held an hour-long call to discuss the results of US envoys’ visits to Moscow and Kyiv. Ukraine’s president says he hopes to meet Trump in the second half of September to discuss missile defense.
An aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yuri Ushakov, said Putin and Trump spoke by phone for about an hour, reviewing the outcome of weekend visits by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow and Kyiv.
Ushakov said Trump clearly expressed the view that the conflict should be ended as soon as possible. According to the aide, that would immediately open impressive and broad prospects for fully restoring US-Russia relations. It would particularly affect trade and economic ties, bringing huge benefits to both countries. Ushakov also said Trump is interested in achieving such a turn during his presidency.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, commenting on the Witkoff and Kushner visit to Kyiv, told journalists that Trump’s envoys had brought “a couple of good, respectable proposals,” but he does not yet know whether there will be a result. Zelensky also said he hopes to meet US President Donald Trump in the second half of September to discuss Ukraine’s missile defense.
He did not specify a venue or time for a possible meeting. Ukrainian media have suggested it could take place in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
