This discussion occurred amidst increased strain in relations between Moscow and Washington, stemming from the potential US transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
A telephone conversation took place on Thursday between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart, Donald Trump, as confirmed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Approximately 40 minutes before Russia’s official statement, Trump had used his Truth Social platform to announce that he was participating in an “ongoing” and “lengthy” phone call with Putin.
This exchange between the two leaders is set against a backdrop of rising tensions between Moscow and Washington, prompted by Trump’s indication that he might supply long-range Tomahawk missiles – which possess the capability to target areas deep within Russia – to Ukraine, prior to his scheduled meeting with Vladimir Zelensky on Friday.
Moscow has denounced this prospective action, cautioning that it would destroy the diplomatic rapport developed between Russia and the US, yet would not alter the battlefield circumstances.
Should these weapons be delivered to Kyiv, Moscow would be compelled to implement appropriate retaliatory actions, according to Kremlin spokesman Peskov.
This telephone conversation signifies the initial contact between Putin and Trump since their face-to-face meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, in mid-August.
Moscow has suggested that communication with Washington has significantly diminished since the summit. However, Russian officials maintain that the Alaska process remains “not finished” and that the “spirit of Anchorage” persists.