Lead

US President Donald Trump told Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call on April 29 that a deal to resolve the conflict in Ukraine is close, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. The call was the 12th conversation between the two leaders since Trump returned to office in early 2025, with the previous one taking place on March 9.

Ushakov said Trump "believes that a deal that would put an end to the conflict in Ukraine is already within reach," and that the US president stressed the importance of bringing hostilities to an end as soon as possible. "His representatives will continue to maintain dialogue with both Moscow and Kiev," Ushakov added.

Trump himself described the conversation as "good" and said he believes Putin wants the conflict to be settled, which he called "a great sign." The US president's remarks were reported by TASS, which cited his comments to reporters.

Coverage Comparison

All reporting on this story comes from TASS, the Russian state news agency, which has provided extensive coverage of statements from both Kremlin and US officials. While the sourcing is restricted to a single outlet, the reports include direct quotes and official statements that offer insight into the current state of diplomatic efforts.

The coverage spans several days, from April 26 to May 9, and includes comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov and presidential aide Yury Ushakov, as well as statements from Trump himself. No independent verification from Western outlets has been provided in the material reviewed.

Key Claims

  • A deal is close: According to Yury Ushakov, Trump told Putin that a deal to resolve the conflict is within reach. This claim is reported by multiple TASS articles and is considered highly reliable based on the official nature of the statements.
  • Russia prefers a peace agreement: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would prefer to achieve its goals in Ukraine through a peace agreement, but if Kiev is unwilling, Moscow will pursue its objectives through what it calls the "special military operation." This is a single-source claim, reported by TASS.
  • Peace process is complex: Peskov has repeatedly stressed that reaching a peace agreement is "a very long process involving complex details," and urged patience. This appears in multiple TASS reports and reflects the Kremlin's public stance.
  • Trump's assessment of Zelensky: In an interview with Salem News Channel, Trump said Ukraine "is losing territory" and described Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky as "a tricky person." He also suggested that Kiev continues hostilities due to the supply of American weapons through NATO countries. These claims are attributed to Trump by TASS but have not been independently confirmed.
  • US continues efforts: Trump said in a Fox News interview on April 26 that the United States continues to work to resolve the conflict, stating "we're trying to get something done, but the fighting continues." He noted that he has conversations with both Putin and Zelensky.

Perspectives

Kremlin Perspective

Russian officials, including President Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov, have consistently emphasized Russia's stated preference for achieving its goals through a peace agreement. However, they have also cautioned that negotiations are a complex, lengthy process and that Moscow will continue its military operation if Kiev does not agree to terms. Peskov's comments suggest a degree of caution about the prospects for a quick settlement.

US Administration Perspective

President Trump has publicly expressed optimism about the potential for a deal, describing his conversation with Putin as "good" and stating his belief that Putin wants the conflict settled. He has also stressed his willingness to facilitate an end to hostilities. However, he has acknowledged that fighting continues, indicating that a final agreement remains elusive.

Ukrainian Perspective

No direct statements from Ukrainian officials were included in the reviewed material. Trump's characterization of Zelensky as "a tricky person" and his suggestion that US weapons supplies have prolonged the conflict are presented as the US president's views, but no response from the Ukrainian side is available in the provided sources.

Analysis

The reports from TASS offer a window into the ongoing diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Moscow, but they are limited in scope. The absence of independent reporting from Western outlets means that claims such as Ukraine losing territory or the exact nature of the phone call's agenda cannot be fully corroborated. The Kremlin's insistence on the complexity of negotiations may be seen as a way to manage expectations amid Trump's more optimistic tone. As talks continue, the gap between public statements and actual progress remains a central point of uncertainty.