Trump Says He Pressed Putin For Possible Ukraine Ceasefire During 90‑Minute Call

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he raised the idea of a possible ceasefire in the four-year war in Ukraine during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin said the leaders discussed a temporary truce timed for May 9, the anniversary when Russia and other countries mark Victory Day for the end of World War II in Europe. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the conversation lasted more than one-and-a-half hours and was "friendly and businesslike."

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office while meeting astronauts from the Artemis II mission, Mr. Trump said he suggested "a little bit of a ceasefire" in the Ukraine conflict and expressed optimism that Mr. Putin "might do that." He noted the last publicly reported call between them was on March 9 but has indicated they speak regularly.

"We had a good talk, I’ve known him a long time," Trump said.

Ushakov said Mr. Putin proposed a temporary pause in fighting on May 9 to coincide with Victory Day celebrations. Russia imposed a similar three-day truce last year that was not agreed to by Kyiv.

Trump also said Mr. Putin offered assistance on the question of Iran’s enriched uranium — a sticking point in broader negotiations over Iran’s nuclear materials — but that he told Putin he would prefer Moscow focus on ending the war in Ukraine. "I said, before you help me, I want to end your war," Trump said.

The Kremlin spokesman did not provide specifics about any Iranian proposals. Moscow has in the past proposed removing enriched uranium from Iran as part of international efforts to secure nuclear materials.

What Officials Said

Ushakov characterized the call as lengthy and constructive and quoted Mr. Trump as saying he believed a deal to end the Ukraine war was close. Independent confirmation of concrete proposals or progress toward a ceasefire was not available at the time of the reports.