Putin, Trump Discuss Ukraine War, Trilateral Talks, Prisoner Exchanges

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that Moscow hopes to resume trilateral talks on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Peskov stated there is a joint initiative, a shared political desire to move toward resuming these talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the idea of holding a trilateral meeting with China’s Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18-19. During their hour-long phone call on Tuesday, Putin and Trump also discussed prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, and between the United States and Russia.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov claimed Trump said he wanted the war to end quickly and hoped for a breakthrough before he left the White House in January 2029. Trump told Putin that a swift resolution to the Ukraine war could pave the way for fully restored trade and economic ties. Putin reportedly gave Trump an objective and comprehensive analysis of the frontline situation and outlined what the Americans could really do for an immediate ceasefire.

Putin assured Trump he has no plans to attack the EU, dismissing speculation about a Russian threat to European nations. The phone call followed recent visits to Moscow and Kyiv by Trump’s special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. European and U.S. peace initiative has failed to make progress. Putin showed no willingness to soften his position during talks with the envoys, continuing to seek control over the Donbas.

Russia plans to intensify strikes on Ukraine’s energy and heating infrastructure over the next six months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in September and then organize a trilateral meeting.