- Category
- Latest news
The Kremlin on Trump Call: No Ceasefire Timeline, Talks on Ukraine, Sanctions, and 9-for-9 Prisoner Deal
- Authors
![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
On May 19, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov shared details of a recent phone conversation between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
According to Ushakov, the discussion opened with the situation in Ukraine and evolved into a broader exchange on international cooperation and bilateral ties.
While Russia’s war against Ukraine was a central topic, Ushakov emphasized that there was no discussion of any timeframes for reaching a potential ceasefire agreement.
“No, this was not discussed, although Trump naturally emphasizes his interest in reaching some kind of agreement as soon as possible,” Ushakov said.
The leaders also reviewed the overall state of US–Russia relations and expressed a shared interest in improving diplomatic and economic cooperation.
“Trump sees Russia as one of the most important partners for America in the trade and economic field,” Ushakov noted.
Humanitarian issues featured prominently in the call, particularly the prospect of a prisoner exchange. The Kremlin confirmed that both sides discussed a potential swap “according to a 9-for-9 formula.”
Ushakov said the leaders agreed to maintain contact on all key issues, including Ukraine, and did not rule out the possibility of a future personal meeting. However, no specific date or location has been set.
According to Ushakov, Trump acknowledged a draft bill on new sanctions being prepared in the US Senate, but distanced himself from punitive measures: “Trump mentioned that a draft bill on new sanctions is being prepared in the Senate, but he himself is not a supporter of sanctions—he supports reaching certain agreements.”
The conversation reportedly ended on a positive note, with both leaders expressing a willingness to continue their dialogue. “The presidents agreed they would call each other as needed,” Ushakov said.
“Trump said: ‘Vladimir, you can pick up the phone anytime, and I’ll be happy to answer, happy to talk with you,’” he added.
Reflecting on the call’s tone and duration, Ushakov remarked, “There were many digressions (…), and I’ll tell you — it’s rare to have such a long conversation where neither president wanted to end it, didn’t want, as they say, to hang up.”
Earlier, It was reported that the conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin lasted more than two hours, Russian media reported on May 19.
On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump ahead of Trump’s announced call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, according to a source cited by the national telethon.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
