Trump-Putin Phone Conversation: What's Different Since Their Previous Discussion?
In recent weeks, the prospect of achieving peace in Ukraine has become more tangible than it has been in recent years. Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are set to engage in their second direct phone conversation...
TroibNews 
In recent weeks, the prospect of achieving peace in Ukraine has become more tangible than it has been in recent years.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are set to engage in their second direct phone conversation in as many months on Tuesday. This dialogue could potentially pave the way for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Their call, scheduled for 1300 GMT, follows several weeks of rigorous diplomatic efforts involving not only Moscow and Washington but also Kiev and its US and European allies. Below is a summary of significant developments that have occurred since their last discussion on February 12.
Shift Towards Normalcy
After taking office for his second term in January, Trump shifted away from the diplomatic “isolation” strategy of his predecessor, Joe Biden, concerning Russia's actions in Ukraine. Trump administration officials argue that effective statesmanship requires engagement with both partners and rivals, drawing parallels to the historical exchanges between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Revitalizing Diplomacy
On February 18, senior diplomats from Russia and the US convened in Saudi Arabia to tackle the breakdown in communications between the two nations. They reached an agreement to normalize the operations of their diplomatic missions, which had been hampered by mutual restrictions.
A subsequent meeting in Türkiye a week later demonstrated considerable advancement, as the US accepted Aleksandr Darchiev as Russia’s new ambassador to Washington. Darchiev, formerly head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North America Department, represented Russia during the discussions in Istanbul.
Increasing Pressure on Ukraine
A cornerstone of Trump’s diplomatic reorientation with Russia has been his unwillingness to maintain Biden’s policy of indefinite support for Kiev. The new US administration stresses that Ukraine must be prepared to make compromises in order to bring an end to the conflict.
Initially, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky resisted this pivot. At a tense meeting at the White House on February 28, he openly opposed Trump’s mediation strategy, which led to a hasty departure of the Ukrainian delegation and a temporary halt to US aid and intelligence sharing.
Since then, Kiev has softened several key demands, particularly its previous insistence on Western security guarantees before negotiations could begin. Following bilateral talks in Jeddah last week, Zelensky publicly supported an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
Challenges from the Kursk Defeat
Ukraine's negotiating leverage has been further diminished by setbacks on the battlefield in Russia’s Kursk Region, where Russian forces have largely ousted Ukrainian troops after an incursion in August 2024 that resulted in significant losses for Kiev—over 68,000 troops killed, wounded, or captured. This offensive aimed to create a stronger bargaining position by capturing territory recognized internationally as belonging to Russia.
Nevertheless, with the recent liberation of the town of Sudzha—previously critical for Ukrainian military operations—Kiev stated that its objectives for the incursion were “achieved.” The Ukrainian military claims its forces withdrew methodically from the area, contesting assertions from Russia and the US about a near encirclement.
Proposed Temporary Ceasefire
Putin has shown support for Trump’s suggestion of a 30-day ceasefire but stressed that Moscow won’t allow Kiev to utilize this pause for military regrouping or reinforcements. Russia insists that any ceasefire must include a halt to arms deliveries and forced conscription in Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials, along with several Western European leaders, have accused Putin of opposing the ceasefire, urging Trump to respond with increased military aid and sanctions against Russia.
Media reports have also noted criticisms of Moscow for allegedly showing disrespect towards Trump by making his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, “wait eight hours” for a meeting with Putin—a claim the US president has labeled as “fake news.”
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are set to engage in their second direct phone conversation in as many months on Tuesday. This dialogue could potentially pave the way for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Their call, scheduled for 1300 GMT, follows several weeks of rigorous diplomatic efforts involving not only Moscow and Washington but also Kiev and its US and European allies. Below is a summary of significant developments that have occurred since their last discussion on February 12.
Shift Towards Normalcy
After taking office for his second term in January, Trump shifted away from the diplomatic “isolation” strategy of his predecessor, Joe Biden, concerning Russia's actions in Ukraine. Trump administration officials argue that effective statesmanship requires engagement with both partners and rivals, drawing parallels to the historical exchanges between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Revitalizing Diplomacy
On February 18, senior diplomats from Russia and the US convened in Saudi Arabia to tackle the breakdown in communications between the two nations. They reached an agreement to normalize the operations of their diplomatic missions, which had been hampered by mutual restrictions.
A subsequent meeting in Türkiye a week later demonstrated considerable advancement, as the US accepted Aleksandr Darchiev as Russia’s new ambassador to Washington. Darchiev, formerly head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North America Department, represented Russia during the discussions in Istanbul.
Increasing Pressure on Ukraine
A cornerstone of Trump’s diplomatic reorientation with Russia has been his unwillingness to maintain Biden’s policy of indefinite support for Kiev. The new US administration stresses that Ukraine must be prepared to make compromises in order to bring an end to the conflict.
Initially, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky resisted this pivot. At a tense meeting at the White House on February 28, he openly opposed Trump’s mediation strategy, which led to a hasty departure of the Ukrainian delegation and a temporary halt to US aid and intelligence sharing.
Since then, Kiev has softened several key demands, particularly its previous insistence on Western security guarantees before negotiations could begin. Following bilateral talks in Jeddah last week, Zelensky publicly supported an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
Challenges from the Kursk Defeat
Ukraine's negotiating leverage has been further diminished by setbacks on the battlefield in Russia’s Kursk Region, where Russian forces have largely ousted Ukrainian troops after an incursion in August 2024 that resulted in significant losses for Kiev—over 68,000 troops killed, wounded, or captured. This offensive aimed to create a stronger bargaining position by capturing territory recognized internationally as belonging to Russia.
Nevertheless, with the recent liberation of the town of Sudzha—previously critical for Ukrainian military operations—Kiev stated that its objectives for the incursion were “achieved.” The Ukrainian military claims its forces withdrew methodically from the area, contesting assertions from Russia and the US about a near encirclement.
Proposed Temporary Ceasefire
Putin has shown support for Trump’s suggestion of a 30-day ceasefire but stressed that Moscow won’t allow Kiev to utilize this pause for military regrouping or reinforcements. Russia insists that any ceasefire must include a halt to arms deliveries and forced conscription in Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials, along with several Western European leaders, have accused Putin of opposing the ceasefire, urging Trump to respond with increased military aid and sanctions against Russia.
Media reports have also noted criticisms of Moscow for allegedly showing disrespect towards Trump by making his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, “wait eight hours” for a meeting with Putin—a claim the US president has labeled as “fake news.”
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
