Putin, Trump Discuss Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Kyiv Attacks

Putin and Trump discussed a second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, which Putin deemed useful despite Ukraine's attempts to disrupt them through attacks on civilian infrastructure. The two presidents also discussed the Middle East conflict and Iran's nuclear program, with Trump seeking Russian assistance in dealing with Iran. Putin described their exchanges as "positive and very productive" and confirmed their readiness to remain in contact.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held a 75-minute phone call on Wednesday, discussing a second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The call took place amidst heightened tensions following recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's nuclear-capable bomber fleet and a deadly bridge bombing that Moscow attributed to Kyiv [2].

Putin stated that the peace talks were useful despite Ukraine's attempts to disrupt them through attacks on civilian infrastructure. The two presidents also discussed the Middle East conflict and Iran's nuclear program. Trump sought Russian assistance in dealing with Iran, emphasizing the need for Tehran to dismantle its nuclear program peacefully. Putin described their exchanges as "positive and very productive" and confirmed their readiness to remain in contact [2].

The phone call comes as the war in Ukraine intensifies, with both sides accusing the other of not seriously wanting peace. Ukraine has accused Russia of not meeting certain conditions for an immediate ceasefire, while Russia has accused Ukraine of being a "terrorist organization" supported by the West [2].

In the Middle East, the IAEA's recent report has shown that Iran is continuing its nuclear program, which the international community considers a violation of non-proliferation obligations. The report, which was requested by the IAEA's Board of Governors, found that Iran conducted secret nuclear activities with undeclared material at several locations [1].

The U.S. and its allies are considering a draft resolution to declare Iran's violations of its non-proliferation obligations, which could put further pressure on Tehran in its ongoing nuclear talks with Washington [1].

References:
[1] https://www.jns.org/israel-secret-iaea-report-shows-iran-nuclear-program-not-peaceful/
[2] https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/putin-trump-response-to-ukrainian-attacks-1.7552250