US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss issues related to the Ukraine peace process, before the meeting between Mr. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida on December 28. The information was announced by Kremlin Foreign Policy Advisor Yury Ushakov.
According to Mr. Ushakov, the exchange lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes, bringing a friendly, goodwill and practical atmosphere. The two leaders expressed their common concern for achieving a sustainable peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine, instead of a temporary ceasefire.
Mr. Putin emphasized the importance of building a direction based on the understanding reached between the two presidents at the summit in Anchorage in August this year. Also according to Mr. Ushakov, both Moscow and Washington believe that the proposal for a temporary ceasefire backed by Ukraine and European partners only risks prolonging the conflict and leading to a re-ignition of fighting.
The Russian President agreed with Mr. Trump's proposal to continue the process of resolving through the establishment of two working groups, focusing on security and economic issues. The two sides also agreed to continue contacting after Mr. Trump completes the meeting with Mr. Zelensky.
Previously, Mr. Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social that the phone call with Mr. Putin brought very positive results. Meanwhile, Mr. Zelensky said he expected to be able to reach an agreement on a peaceful framework, provided Russia accepts a ceasefire before moving towards a long-term solution.
Moscow has long rejected the idea of a temporary ceasefire, saying that this approach will create conditions for the Ukrainian army to rearm and strengthen forces. The Kremlin also does not support the 20-point peace proposal that Mr. Zelensky announced, considering it a fundamental difference from the plan that Russia and the US discussed.
