(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on March 18, 2025 shows President Donald Trump (L) on the phone on January 28, 2017 in Washington, and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (R) on the phone Moscow on December 27, 2023. (Photo by Drew ANGERER and Gavriil GRIGOROV / various sources / AFP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has informed US President Donald Trump that Moscow is ready for a new round of peace talks with Ukraine after June 22, following the completion of the latest prisoner and body exchange agreements initiated in Istanbul.
The development comes after a 50-minute phone call between the two leaders, where they discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East and Ukraine peace talks.
Putin emphasized that peace talks with Ukraine are possible after the prisoner exchange, signaling a potential shift in tone.
“The exchanges will be completed and the parties will discuss the next step,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, without committing to joining the proposed peace talks.
Russia and Ukraine have completed a fourth prisoner swap within a week, with a plan to return 1,000 wounded soldiers from both sides and exchange the remains of fallen troops.
Putin conveyed Russia’s readiness to continue negotiations with Ukraine after June 22, with Trump reaffirming his interest in a swift resolution to the conflict.
Zelensky urged the US not to bypass Ukraine in key decisions, warning against reduced aid or treating Ukraine and Russia as equals.
Diplomatic Efforts
The call between Putin and Trump reflects a growing effort to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
Trump described the discussion as *“excellent”* in tone and atmosphere, expressing optimism about the potential for peace talks.
