Inside Trump and Putin hold 90-minute call on Ukraine

Leaders agree to Middle East negotiations and energy infrastructure ceasefire.

A pivotal 90-minute conversation between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin could mark a crucial step toward ending the war in Ukraine.

The White House confirmed that the two leaders agreed to begin immediate negotiations in the Middle East and implement a ceasefire on energy infrastructure.

Trump described the discussion as “very good and productive,” noting that both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are eager to see the conflict come to an end.

“Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed,” Trump said on Truth Social, adding that the process to end the war is now “in full force and effect.”

As part of the talks, Putin reportedly agreed to a mutual 30-day pause on strikes targeting energy facilities and ordered Russian forces to comply.

In a further sign of potential de-escalation, Moscow has pledged to return 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv as a goodwill gesture.

While Trump remains optimistic about progress, he acknowledged that “many elements of a Final Agreement” still need to be resolved.

As diplomatic efforts intensify, global attention is now focused on whether negotiations in the Middle East can pave the way for a lasting ceasefire and eventual peace deal.

Ira Chaleff, a political commentator, bi-partisan leader in Congress, and author, “How To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers to Make or BRAKE a Toxic Leader” joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.