Putin seeks negotiated Ukraine war end, maintains goals

Putin urges negotiated Ukraine war resolution in Trump call but remains steadfast on original objectives, says Kremlin aide.

In a phone conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin communicated with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to a Kremlin aide, Putin expressed Moscow’s desire for a negotiated resolution to the war. However, he made it clear that Russia will not waver from its established objectives in the region.

The conversation reflects Russia’s stance on the conflict, emphasising a willingness to engage in dialogue while maintaining its foundational goals. This position may pose challenges for upcoming diplomatic efforts, as both nations assess their strategic priorities.

The Kremlin has consistently asserted its commitment to its aims, suggesting that further negotiations will take place under these asserted terms.

Russian attack

Within hours of the call, an apparent Russian drone attack sparked a fire in an apartment building in a northern suburb of Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said, indicating little change in the trajectory of the conflict immediately after the call.

In Kyiv itself, journalists witnesses reported explosions and sustained heavy machine gun fire as air defence units battled drones over the capital.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, meanwhile, told reporters in Denmark that he hopes to speak to Trump as soon as Friday about the ongoing pause in some weapons shipments, which was first disclosed earlier this week.