Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov reported that President Vladimir Putin phoned U.S. President Donald Trump to congratulate him on his 80th birthday, with the two leaders speaking for 55 minutes in what was described as a friendly and candid exchange.
Putin praised Trump’s “fighting spirit” and resilience, while Trump expressed gratitude, noting Putin was the first foreign leader to call him at the White House.
Putin also extended best wishes to First Lady Melania Trump, commending her humanitarian role in reuniting children with families.
The Kremlin aide said the leaders discussed progress toward a U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding, with Trump crediting American negotiators and regional mediators. Ushakov added that Russia’s proposals had contributed constructively.
On Ukraine, Trump stressed the need to halt hostilities and pledged to raise the issue with European partners and Kiev at the upcoming G7 summit. Putin countered that Ukrainian strikes on Russian civilian infrastructure would not alter battlefield realities.
The leaders also recalled the WWII alliance between the U.S. and Russia, exchanged remarks on Russia Day, and touched on sports diplomacy, with Putin wishing success to U.S. organisers of the FIFA World Cup.
Ushakov confirmed no gifts were exchanged, but envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would soon visit Moscow to continue Iran-related talks.
Key Points from Ushakov’s Commentary
Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov reported that President Vladimir Putin phoned U.S. President Donald Trump to congratulate him on his 80th birthday, with the two leaders speaking for 55 minutes in what was described as a friendly and candid exchange.
Putin praised Trump’s “fighting spirit” and resilience, while Trump expressed gratitude, noting Putin was the first foreign leader to call him at the White House.
Putin also extended best wishes to First Lady Melania Trump, commending her humanitarian role in reuniting children with families.
The Kremlin aide said the leaders discussed progress toward a U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding, with Trump crediting American negotiators and regional mediators. Ushakov added that Russia’s proposals had contributed constructively.
On Ukraine, Trump stressed the need to halt hostilities and pledged to raise the issue with European partners and Kiev at the upcoming G7 summit. Putin countered that Ukrainian strikes on Russian civilian infrastructure would not alter battlefield realities.
The leaders also recalled the WWII alliance between the U.S. and Russia, exchanged remarks on Russia Day, and touched on sports diplomacy, with Putin wishing success to U.S. organisers of the FIFA World Cup.
Ushakov confirmed no gifts were exchanged, but envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would soon visit Moscow to continue Iran-related talks.
