Lead
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a detailed phone conversation on April 29, discussing a possible ceasefire for the Victory Day holiday, the situation in Ukraine, and Iran's enriched uranium. According to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, the call lasted an hour and a half and was "frank and businesslike." It was the 12th conversation between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House in early 2025.
During the call, Putin told Trump that Moscow was ready to declare a ceasefire for the May 9 Victory Day celebrations, an initiative Trump "actively supported," according to Ushakov. The US president described the holiday as "our joint victory over Nazism in World War Two."
Coverage Comparison
Coverage of the call and its aftermath comes primarily from Russian state news agency TASS, which reported extensively on statements from both Ushakov and Trump. Al Jazeera, with a MENA focus, highlighted Trump's rejection of Putin's offer to help with Iran's enriched uranium, emphasizing Trump's preference for Russian assistance in ending the Ukraine war.
TASS's reporting, while aligned with Kremlin messaging, provides detailed official accounts of the discussions and subsequent ceasefire agreements. No independent Western sources were available in the material reviewed, so the narrative is largely shaped by Russian official statements and direct quotes from Trump.
Key Claims
- Ceasefire agreement: According to Ushakov, intensified contacts between Moscow and Washington led to an agreement on a ceasefire for May 9-11. He stated that the agreement developed from ideas raised during the Putin-Trump conversation and was reached after Washington also coordinated with Kiev.
- Putin's support for Trump: Putin conveyed words of support to Trump over an assassination attempt on April 25 at the Washington Hilton hotel, strongly condemning the crime and emphasizing the unacceptability of politically motivated violence, per Ushakov.
- Iran enrichment offer: Trump said that Putin offered assistance in resolving the issue of enriched uranium in Iran, telling reporters, "He told me he'd like to be involved with the enrichment, if he can help us get it." Trump responded, "I said, I'd much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine."
- Trump's potential visit to Russia: In response to a TASS question before flying to China, Trump said he may visit Russia this year, stating, "It could [happen]. I mean, I will do whatever is necessary [for a settlement in Ukraine]." This claim has not been independently confirmed and remains speculative.
- Ceasefire extension: Trump expressed openness to extending the ceasefire, telling reporters, "I'd love to see that war end" and that he "would like to see a big extension" of the truce.
Perspectives
The Russian perspective, as articulated by Ushakov, frames the ceasefire as a response to Kiev's threats and Russia's warnings of retaliation. Ushakov said, "Taking into account, in particular, our warnings addressed to Kiev, our contacts with the Americans intensified, during which we agreed on a ceasefire." He added that Russia clearly stated the consequences of "criminal terrorist actions by Kiev," a framing that casts Ukraine as the aggressor.
Trump's public statements, as reported by TASS, focus on his desire to end the war in Ukraine and his confidence in achieving a settlement. He claimed, "I've settled eight wars... and now it looks like we could have ten, but I would love to make that the tenth." He also indicated a willingness to send negotiators to Moscow if it would advance peace talks, saying, "Well, I would do it. If I thought it would help I would do it."
On Iran, Putin welcomed Trump's decision to extend the ceasefire, according to Ushakov, who said the Russian president considers it "the right one, as it should give negotiations a chance and help stabilize the situation." Trump, however, prioritized Ukraine, dismissing Putin's offer on enrichment in favor of focusing on ending the war.
The ceasefire, which took effect from May 8-10, was announced after telephone contacts between Moscow and Washington and Washington's interactions with Kiev. The Russian Defense Ministry reported a complete cessation of hostilities by Russian troops, while also claiming the Ukrainian army continued to strike Russian positions, an assertion that could not be independently verified.