Trump Discloses Phone Call with Putin Amid Escalating Ukraine-Russia Conflict

US President Donald Trump had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Putin emphasized that Russia must respond to Ukraine's attacks on Russian aircraft. Trump stated that there would be "no immediate peace." Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated in recent days, with Ukraine launching one of its most ambitious attacks since the conflict began, targeting Russian aircraft in Siberia. Russia responded with a record number of drones, and the Crimean Bridge was attacked by an explosion.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a 75-minute phone call on June 4, 2025, to discuss Ukraine's recent drone attacks on Russian bombers. The conversation, described as a "good conversation" by Trump, did not yield immediate peace prospects [1].

President Putin informed Trump that he intended to retaliate against Ukraine's surprise drone attack, which destroyed dozens of Russian bombers. The attack, carried out on June 1, 2025, was one of the most damaging to Russia since the start of the war [1]. Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC confirmed the destruction of several bombers at the Belaya Air Base in Siberia [2].

Trump and Putin also discussed other attacks by both sides and Trump noted that Putin emphasized the need for a response to Ukraine's latest operation. The conversation also touched on Iran, with Putin suggesting that Trump participate in discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program [1].

The drone strikes delivered a significant blow to Russia's air force and military prestige, with Ukraine claiming that 41 Russian warplanes were destroyed or damaged [2]. The attack, planned over 18 months, targeted strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear warheads [2].

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated further, with Russia responding to the drone strikes with a record number of drones and an explosion targeting the Crimean Bridge [2].

The phone call was the first time Trump spoke to Putin since warning him about the escalation of the conflict. Trump has so far resisted imposing sanctions on Russia and has placed equal blame on Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the war's prolongation [1].

References:

[1] USA Today. (2025, June 4). Trump, Putin discuss Ukraine's attack on Russian bombers. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/04/trump-immediate-peace-russia-ukraine-putin-call/84029934007/

[2] The Well News. (2025, June 4). Satellite photos show destroyed bombers at a Russian air base. Retrieved from https://www.thewellnews.com/in-the-news/satellite-photos-show-destroyed-bombers-at-a-russian-air-base-ukraine-said-it-hit/