Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump that Russia was not prepared to "step back from its goals," in Ukraine.
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Trump and Putin spoke for just under an hour (Image: Getty)
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a one hour phone call on Thursday as the Russian leader laid down the law on how the war in Ukraine will progress.
According to Reuters, Putin insisted that Russia “will achieve its goal of removing root issues that led to Ukraine conflict” and “will not step back from its goals.”
In return Trump appeared to distance the US from any future role in peace negotiations, with Russia taking the position “that Ukraine peace talks are between Moscow and Kyiv”.
The call comes after a top US defence official halted arms shipments to Ukraine that had been used to fend off Russian attacks.
The two are understood to have discussed tensions in the Middle East following a US bombing raid on Iran.
In the aftermath of the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites, Moscow condemned what they called a "provocation" before welcoming the Iranian Foreign Secretary to the capital.
The initial lines emerging from the meeting suggest a stiffening in Putin's messaging with the US in regards to Ukraine.
According to Reuters, Putin insisted that Russia “will achieve its goal of removing root issues that led to Ukraine conflict” and “will not step back from its goals.”
In return, Trump is understood to have reemphasised his desire to see the conflict come to a swift halt whilst seemingly distancing the US from any future involvement in peace negotiations.
The first lines are emerging from a Kremlin spokesperson.
It is understood that the two leaders spoke for just under an hour where they once again stated their intention to “seek a negotiated solution” on Ukraine,according to Reuters.
They added that Russia's position is “that Ukraine peace talks are between Moscow and Kyiv” as Putin insisted that his country “will not step back from its goals.”
Donald Trump's huge "big beautiful" budget bill is heading for a final vote in the US House of Representatives today where it is expected to pass.
The White House has said the bill reduces the country's deficit by over $2 trillion but critics argue it raises it significantly.
Several members of the Republican Party have joined opposition Democrats in criticising the bill for a variety of reasons including the fact that it limits access to medical care whilst providing the super wealthy with tax cuts.
The call could impact talks between the EU and US this evening when Maroš Šefčovič, the bloc's Trade Chief, is due in Washington.
It is understood that the EU hopes to talk the Trump administration down from 50% tariffs, with the deadline for relief on the threat expiring next week.
Earlier today, the US secretary of treasury Scott Bessent told reporters “we will see what we can do", when asked about the meeting, according to Reuters.
Call comes days after US weapons shipments to Ukraine halted
Earlier this week, the Pentagon halted shipments of US Patriot air defence systems and other precision weapons to Kyiv amid fears that US stockpiles were running low.
The White House said it had been done “to put America’s interests first following a Department of Defense review”.
It comes as Ukraine faces an uptick in missile and drone attacks from Russia, with US weapons playing a vital role in defending the skies of Ukrainain cities.
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