US President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for over an hour on Wednesday, but warned that talks would not lead to immediate peace in Ukraine. Trump acknowledged Russia’s recent attacks on Ukrainian airfields, stating that Putin said he will respond to the drone strikes.
Despite this, both leaders expressed willingness to continue negotiations on prisoner exchanges and the return of captured Ukrainian children. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Putin and his “commissioner for children’s rights” over Ukraine’s abducted children.
Putin reiterated his opposition to a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine, citing concerns that it would allow Kyiv to regroup and rearm. However, both sides agreed on some progress, including the transfer of captives and bodies.
The conversation also touched on Iran’s nuclear programme, with Trump claiming Tehran had been “slowwalking” on negotiations. Russia has stepped up its aerial attacks on cities in Ukraine and pushed further into northern Sumy region, seizing over 150 sq km.
Trump’s comments marked a departure from his previous claims that he could end the conflict within a day. The Ukrainian delegation presented a list of nearly 400 abducted children to the Russians earlier this week, but Putin offered to resolve only 10 cases.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/04/trump-putin-conversation-ukraine-drone-attack