Russian President Vladimir Putin has told U.S. President Donald Trump that Moscow is ready for a new round of peace talks with Ukraine after June 22. This would come after Russia and Ukraine complete the latest prisoner and body exchange agreements initiated in Istanbul.
Putin made this known during a Saturday phone call with Trump. According to the Kremlin, both leaders expressed satisfaction with their personal ties and emphasized a willingness to keep communication open on global issues. This was their fifth phone call since Trump returned to office.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the exchanges were ongoing. However, he did not commit to joining the proposed peace talks. He noted, “The exchanges will be completed and the parties will discuss the next step.”
Peace Talks With Ukraine Possible After Prisoner Exchange, Putin Tells Trump
The call between Putin and Trump comes amid rising tension over U.S. military support for Ukraine. Zelensky has voiced concern that America’s growing involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict could slow support for Ukraine.
“Any signals of reduced aid, or of treating Ukraine and Russia as equals, are deeply unfair,” Zelensky stated. He emphasized that Russia began the war and still refuses to end it.
During the call, the Kremlin said Trump maintained a businesslike tone and was focused on reaching diplomatic solutions. Putin’s statement that peace talks with Ukraine are possible after the prisoner exchange signals Moscow’s interest in negotiating, though its military actions continue.
Putin Suggests Peace Talks With Ukraine After Prisoner Exchange During Trump Call
On the battlefield, Russia and Ukraine completed a fourth prisoner swap within one week. The deal includes a plan to return 1,000 wounded soldiers from both sides and to exchange the remains of fallen troops.
Zelensky shared photos showing returned Ukrainian soldiers wrapped in national flags. Russia’s defence ministry posted footage of its returning soldiers chanting patriotic slogans.
The swaps stemmed from talks in Istanbul, one of the few diplomatic breakthroughs in months. However, Moscow still insists Ukraine must give up territory and stop seeking help from Western allies if peace is to be achieved.
Fighting has intensified in Ukraine’s Sumy region. Zelensky confirmed his troops stopped Russia’s advance and reclaimed a village. He denied Russia’s claims of entering the Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukraine estimates that 53,000 Russian soldiers are involved in the Sumy operation.
Putin Tells Trump Peace Talks With Ukraine Possible After Prisoner Exchange
Putin’s call with Trump, where he stated peace talks with Ukraine are possible after the prisoner exchange, may signal a shift in tone. But with Russia still demanding territorial concessions and Ukraine urging the West not to reduce aid, real peace remains far off. Zelensky’s message is clear, without justice, aid, and firm diplomacy, the idea of peace talks with Ukraine remains uncertain.
