Putin and Trump discuss Middle East war and Ukraine negotiations in first phone call of 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held an hour-long phone call on Monday, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. The call, initiated by Trump, was their first this year. 

“The conversation was businesslike, frank, and constructive,” Ushakov said, as quoted by RBC. “They haven’t spoken on the phone in a long time; the last time was in December 2025.” 

Ushakov said the discussion centered around the escalating conflict in the Middle East and ongoing negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. According to the Kremlin aide, Putin shared “several” proposals with Trump aimed at reaching a diplomatic solution to the war with Iran. 

“President Trump reiterated his interest in seeing the conflict in Ukraine end as quickly as possible with a ceasefire to achieve a long-term settlement,” Ushakov said, adding that Putin praised the U.S. administration’s efforts to broker talks. 

The White House has yet to comment on the call.