Comment by Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov on the Outcome of the Telephone Conversation Between Vladimir Putin and U.S.President Donald Trump (October 16, 2025)
Yuri Ushakov: Dear colleagues! Today, in the afternoon, a telephone conversation took place between Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and U.S.President Donald Trump.This was their eighth phone call. The discussion was lengthy, lasting nearly two and a half hours. It was clearly very substantive, extremely candid, and trusting in nature.
Our President began the conversation by congratulating Donald Trump on his success in normalizing the situation in the Gaza Strip. This peacemaking activity by the U.S.President has been highly appreciated in the Middle East, in America itself, and in most countries around the world.Naturally, Russia's principled position in favor of a comprehensive Middle East settlement based on universally recognized international legal foundations was outlined, which would guarantee lasting peace for all peoples in the region.
*** Special emphasis during the telephone conversation was placed on issues related to the Ukrainian crisis. Vladimir Putin provided detailed assessments of the current situation, emphasizing the Russian side's interest in achieving a peaceful political and diplomatic resolution.It was noted, in particular, that during the special military operation, the Russian Armed Forces fully hold the strategic initiative along the entire line of contact. Under these conditions, the Kiev regime resorts to terrorist methods, striking civilian targets and energy infrastructure facilities, to which we are forced to respond accordingly.
Donald Trump repeatedly emphasized the need to establish peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.The idea that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has been the most difficult to resolve in all of the U.S.President's peacekeeping activities literally permeated his statements throughout the conversation. And, of course, he mentioned his successes in resolving eight other regional conflicts.Characteristically, one of the main points of the American President was that ending the conflict in Ukraine would open up enormous —he emphasized enormous —prospects for developing economic cooperation between the U.S. and Russia.
From both sides, by the way, there was talk of the deep mutual sympathies between the peoples of the two countries, which were vividly demonstrated during World War II. It was emphasized that the current state of bilateral relations against this backdrop appears paradoxical.The issue of possible supplies of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine was also touched upon. Vladimir Putin reiterated his thesis that "Tomahawks" would not change the situation on the battlefield but would cause substantial damage to relations between our countries, not to mention the prospects for peaceful settlement.
Against this background, it is noteworthy that the Presidents discussed the possibility of holding another personal meeting. This is indeed a very important point.It was agreed that representatives of the two countries would immediately begin working on preparations for a Summit, which could be organized, for example, in Budapest.
It is worth mentioning that our President highly appreciated the personal efforts of U.S.President Donald Trump's wife, Melania Trump, in reuniting Russian and Ukrainian children with their families and asked the U.S.President to convey the very best wishes to Melania Trump.Overall, I would say that the telephone contact between the presidents of Russia and the U.S. was very useful, and the two leaders agreed that they would remain in touch.
Always wait for the official Russian press release instead of taking what Trump says at face value. They agreed to begin prep work for a Summit, which could be held in Budapest, for example. In other words, they don't even have a location picked out and there's no confirmation that they'll even meet.
