Newsmax: Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone Saturday with President Donald Trump to wish him a happy 80th birthday, using the occasion to discuss major international issues, including the war in Ukraine, tensions involving Iran and the future of U.S.-Russia relations.
According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, the conversation lasted 55 minutes and was conducted in what he described as a warm and candid atmosphere.
“Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin congratulated the U.S. president by phone today on his 80th birthday. The conversation was friendly and candid and lasted about an hour,” Ushakov told reporters after the call.
Ushakov said Trump was particularly appreciative of the gesture because Putin was the first foreign leader to call and congratulate him on his birthday.
“Donald Trump was touched by Putin’s words and thanked him, noting that Vladimir Putin was the first among all foreign leaders to call him at the White House,” Ushakov said.
The Kremlin official said Putin praised Trump’s resilience and determination, expressing respect for what he called the American president’s ability to overcome political pressure and adversity.
Beyond the birthday wishes, the two leaders discussed several major international issues. According to Ushakov, they reviewed the state of U.S.-Russia relations and potential future contacts between representatives of both governments.
The leaders also discussed Iran and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Tehran and Washington. Ushakov said Trump indicated negotiations with Iran were nearing a possible breakthrough.
“Donald Trump said that an agreement is close, and he expects that the results of difficult but ultimately successful negotiations may soon be made public,” Ushakov said.
Putin welcomed signs that tensions surrounding Iran may be easing. The discussion comes as the Middle East remains unsettled by the expanding conflict involving Iran and Israel.
The regional instability could provide Russia with significant economic advantages.
Rising global oil prices resulting from Middle East tensions are expected to increase Russian energy revenues.
Analysts also note that if diplomatic progress with Iran leads to adjustments in sanctions regimes or energy markets, Moscow could benefit from improved conditions for oil exports and greater flexibility in global energy trade.
Ukraine remained a central focus of the call. Ushakov said Trump again emphasized his desire to bring the conflict to an end and expressed willingness to pressure all sides to reach a ceasefire.
“Regarding the Ukrainian conflict, Donald Trump once again stressed the need to cease military operations,” Ushakov said. “He stated that he is prepared to exert influence on both European partners and Kyiv.”
Trump has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated settlement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously agreed to an unconditional ceasefire proposal backed by Washington.
Despite Trump’s calls for a ceasefire, the initiative ultimately collapsed because Putin refused to participate and has continued massive civilian bombardment of Ukraine.
According to Ushakov, Trump argued that ending the war quickly would open the door to a new era in relations between Washington and Moscow.
“Trump said that if the war is ended as soon as possible, this would open prospects for building a truly new quality of American-Russian relations,” Ushakov said.
The Kremlin also announced that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to return to Russia in the near future for additional discussions, signaling continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries.