In Russian terminology, the root cause of the Ukraine war is Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO. Ushakov added that Russia is ready to continue dialogue with the US, but negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv are necessary for peace talks. Both leaders also discussed the future of Iran’s nuclear programme and the situation in Syria. Trump’s conversation with Putin comes just two days after the US unexpectedly halted the supply of artillery shells and air defence systems to Ukraine, and Russia intensified its attacks.
Putin Leaves Event for Call
Putin left a business event in Moscow to return to the Kremlin to take Trump’s call. He reportedly stated that it would be inappropriate to keep Trump waiting and that he might be upset.
Death of Russian Navy Deputy Commander in Ukrainian Attack
Mikhail Gudkov, Deputy Commander of the Russian Navy, was killed in a Ukrainian attack during intense fighting in the Kursk region. Two years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Gudkov the highest Kremlin honour, ‘Hero of the Russian Federation’. Gudkov is the highest-ranking military officer killed in the ongoing war with Ukraine, which began in February 2022.