Putin and Trump Engage in Businesslike Dialogue Ahead of U.S. Independence Day Celebration

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a telephone conversation on Thursday, which the Kremlin characterized as “businesslike and straightforward,” noting that both leaders appeared to be “on the same wavelength.”

Putin announced the call while attending a Russian brands exhibition, where he mentioned to a vendor that he would “certainly recommend” Trump advocate for Russian products in the American market. Trump later verified the upcoming discussion on Truth Social.

The call lasted almost one hour and addressed various subjects, as detailed by Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov. Topics included the ongoing peace negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, the situation in Syria, the recent exchange of airstrikes between Israel and Iran, and a proposal for an “exchange” of films that highlight “traditional values.”

Ushakov noted that Putin also extended congratulations to Trump in advance of U.S. Independence Day on July 4.

“He acknowledged that Russia played a role in the establishment of the United States, including during the War of Independence and subsequently during the Civil War,” Ushakov shared in an audio message released by the Kremlin.

In response, Trump reportedly briefed Putin on his tax and spending reduction proposal, which is currently pending a vote in Congress.

According to Ushakov, the two leaders did not touch upon U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, which has seen some limitations in recent days, nor did they address the possibility of a third round of direct peace talks, which the Kremlin insists is a matter to be resolved solely between Ukraine and Russia.

Later on Thursday, Trump informed reporters that he and Putin “discussed many topics, including the conflict with Iran.”

“And we talked about, as you’re aware, the war in Ukraine. I’m not pleased with that,” he continued, expressing that he felt he “didn’t achieve any progress” during his dialogue with the Russian president.

Putin and Trump last communicated via phone on June 14.

This recent call occurred shortly after Putin’s discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron, marking their first conversation since 2022. Macron utilized the opportunity to urge Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine “as soon as possible.”