Trump’s post on the conversation is presented above.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov spoke about the content of the conversation, assessments of proposals from Kiev and the West, Trump’s position, and the conditions under which Moscow considers a cessation of hostilities possible.

Key points from Ushakov’s statement:

On the conversation

The phone call between the Russian and U.S. leaders was organized at the initiative of the American side.

Trump called Putin to discuss a settlement in Ukraine ahead of his meeting with Zelensky.

The conversation lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes and began with an exchange of warm New Year’s greetings.

Trump carefully listened to Moscow’s assessments of the prospects for a settlement and to Putin’s arguments.

Putin and Trump similarly assess proposals from Kiev and the European Union on a peaceful settlement as attempts to drag out the conflict.

The U.S. president acknowledged that the crisis in Ukraine has been the most difficult issue for him.

Trump stated that the war needs to be ended as soon as possible.

The U.S. president spoke of impressive prospects for U.S.–Russia economic cooperation once the Ukrainian conflict is resolved.

Putin and Trump agreed to speak again by phone following the American leader’s meeting with Zelensky.

On the settlement

An end to hostilities in Ukraine is possible if Kiev makes a bold decision on Donbass in line with Russian-American agreements, the Russian presidential aide emphasized.

The Kiev regime should “without delay” make a decision regarding Donbass, taking into account the evolving situation on the front lines, Ushakov said.

Details on the parameters of working groups on Ukraine will become known in early January, according to the Russian presidential aide.

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