Ukraine: Trump and Putin hold phone call following Istanbul talks, Peskov: “Dialogue based on Istanbul outcomes”.

A phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump is currently underway, with the Kremlin confirming that the conversation is rooted in the outcomes of the recent Russia-Ukraine negotiations held in Istanbul on May 16.

“This conversation is important, especially in light of the talks that took place in Turkey,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

During the Istanbul meeting, Moscow and Kyiv reached a preliminary agreement on a one-for-one prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals on each side. The two delegations also discussed a proposed cease-fire. Ukraine, with backing from Western allies, has offered a 30-day truce, extendable if necessary. “We are ready for this,” Ukrainian officials stated on Telegram. “We are also open to a direct meeting between leaders to address key issues. Ukraine is not afraid of dialogue with Russia, but it is essential that Moscow stops prolonging the war.”

On the U.S. side, expectations are rising for a potential breakthrough. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that “Donald Trump is certainly open to a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin. The president’s goal is an immediate cease-fire,” she said shortly before the call. Leavitt also emphasized that secondary sanctions against Russia “remain on the table.”

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, speaking to reporters, noted the current stalemate in negotiations and added: “I believe the president will ask Putin whether he’s truly serious about a deal.”

However, mixed signals are emerging from Moscow. While confirming the ongoing talks, Peskov said that “a summit between Putin and Trump is not currently being planned.” He stressed that negotiations would be long and detailed, with Russia prepared to engage, though “many nuances” remain to be addressed.

Internationally, coordination between the United States and European allies is intensifying. On Sunday evening, President Trump spoke by phone with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. According to Downing Street, the heads of state and government “highlighted the catastrophic human cost of the war and the urgent need for an unconditional cease-fire.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated full support for “efforts toward a just and lasting peace,” in alignment with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

In a post on X, Chancellor Merz stated that “Putin must agree to a truce and begin a dialogue for peace.”

Despite the more open stance expressed by the U.S., Moscow remains cautious. “Russia will achieve its objectives in Ukraine,” said Peskov, “but we prefer to do so through political and diplomatic means,” reaffirming Russia’s readiness to continue the negotiation process.

Photo credit: Kremlin.ru