US-Iran War: Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump and warned of “inevitable and extremely damaging consequences” if the United States and Israel
resume military action against Iran, the Kremlin said after the call.
According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the call—initiated by Moscow—lasted more than 90 minutes and was described as “frank and businesslike.” The two leaders focused heavily on the Middle East, particularly the situation involving Iran and tensions in the Persian Gulf, news agency AFP reported.
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Ushakov said that the Russian President “paid particular attention to the situation regarding Iran and in the Persian Gulf”.
During the call, Putin welcomed Trump’s decision to extend a ceasefire with Iran, calling it “the right one” as it could allow space for negotiations and help stabilise the region.
“Vladimir Putin considers Donald Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran to be the right one, as this should give negotiations a chance and, overall, help to stabilise the situation,” Ushakov said.
However, he cautioned that any return to military action would have far-reaching consequences, not only for Iran and its neighbours but for the broader international community.
Putin also “highlighted the inevitable and extremely damaging consequences not only for Iran and its neighbours, but also for the entire international community, should the US and Israel resort to military action once again,” Ushakov said.
He added Russia was “firmly committed to providing every possible assistance to diplomatic efforts” on the Middle East war, and said the call was held at Moscow’s initiative.
The leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year following Russia’s invasion of its neighbour in 2022.
“At Trump’s request, Vladimir Putin described the current situation along the line of contact, where our troops are holding the strategic initiative and pushing back the enemy’s positions,” Ushakov told reporters.
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“Both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump expressed essentially similar assessments of the behaviour of the Kyiv regime led by (Volodymyr) Zelensky, which, incited and with the support of the Europeans, is pursuing a policy of prolonging the conflict.”
Both leaders, according to the Kremlin, expressed similar views on the Ukrainian leadership, accusing it of prolonging the conflict with European backing.
Speaking after the discussion, Trump indicated that Moscow may be open to pausing hostilities. He suggested that a shift in Russia’s position could lead to a potential agreement, depending on conditions being met.
Trump said Putin had shown some willingness towards de-escalation, noting that the Russian leader “suggested a little bit of a ceasefire” and may soon make an official announcement. He also remarked that Putin had earlier been open to a deal but faced obstacles that complicated progress.
“I spoke to Vladimir Putin today… I talked about Ukraine, and I talked a little bit about, uh, Iran. I talked about a few different subjects, mostly about Ukraine, and we had a very good conversation. And I think we’re going to come up with a solution relatively quickly, I hope… I think he’d like to see a solution, I can tell you, and that’s good,” Trump said.
Despite the continuing hostilities, Putin indicated readiness to declare a temporary ceasefire during upcoming Victory Day celebrations on May 9, marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Trump was said to have supported the proposal, highlighting the shared historical significance of the occasion.
(With inputs from agencies)
