President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday that he had an hour-and-15-minute conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the recent escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In a Truth Social post, Trump described the conversation as “good,” but clarified that it would not immediately lead to peace. The discussion primarily focused on the attack by Ukraine on Russian airfields and nuclear deal negotiations with Iran.
Ukraine’s Attack on Russian Airfields and Putin’s Response
Trump provided details about the recent Ukrainian attack on Russian airfields, which he described as “brazen and devastating.” According to Trump, Putin confirmed that he would respond to the attack, which Ukraine had carried out using a fleet of small suicide drones.
The attack, which Ukraine’s SBU (security services) has called “Operation Spiderweb,” involved drones launched in mass from concealed compartments within lorry roofs.
This attack destroyed over 40 Russian bombers, including aircraft capable of launching cruise missiles that have been used in the war against Ukraine. The strike caused $7 billion worth of damage to Russian long-range bombing capabilities.
Trump’s post marks the first time he publicly acknowledged the strike, which had been carried out by Ukrainian forces days earlier. The attack stunned the Kremlin and added pressure to Russia’s strategic military operations.
Nuclear Deal Negotiations and Trump’s Stance on Iran
Aside from the military conflict, Trump also touched on his conversation with Putin regarding the ongoing nuclear deal negotiations with Iran. Trump stated that time was running out for Tehran to come to an agreement on the Iranian nuclear program, a topic that has been a focus of U.S. foreign policy for years.
He expressed his belief that Putin shared his view on the urgency of the situation and noted that Putin suggested he could potentially assist in bringing the nuclear talks to a “rapid conclusion.”
Trump emphasized the need for a definitive answer from Iran on the matter, stating that he believes Iran has been slow in making a decision, which is creating unnecessary delays.
The Escalating Conflict and Ukraine’s Bold Moves
The recent attacks, including the airfield bombing and the underwater bomb targeting a key bridge between Crimea and mainland Russia, have significantly increased tensions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s forces have shocked Russia and the world with their bold military operations.
The attack on the Russian bombers was especially impactful, as it destroyed a critical portion of Russia’s strategic bombing capabilities. Videos from the Belaya airfield showed aircraft engulfed in flames after being struck by drones.
These daring moves by Ukrainian special forces have shifted the momentum in the conflict, leading to widespread shock within Russian defense circles and boosting the morale of Ukraine’s leadership.
Trump’s Silence and Reflections on the War
Despite the dramatic escalation, Trump had remained largely silent about the developments for several days. This period of reticence was notable, given Trump’s previous claims that he could broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours.
During a meeting in the Oval Office in February, Trump had famously told Zelensky that he “didn’t have the cards” to continue the fight against Russia, suggesting the conflict was hopeless for Ukraine.
However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt recently stated that Trump remains “positive” about the U.S.-brokered peace talks that concluded in Istanbul, Turkey, but also recognizes that the situation is complex.
Leavitt attributed the ongoing conflict to what she described as “his predecessor’s weakness and incompetence,” referring to President Biden’s handling of foreign policy.