US President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that he has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin since meeting Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Washington last week. Trump’s conversation with Putin follows their last call on August 18, which interrupted his talks with Zelensky and European officials at the White House. The president described all his conversations with Putin as productive, despite continued violence in Ukraine that frustrates him and complicates diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Furthermore, Trump held a landmark summit with Putin in Alaska on August 15, aiming to negotiate a deal to halt Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He said that during their previous discussions, Putin had initially agreed to a bilateral meeting with Zelensky. However, Moscow later announced there are no plans for such direct talks, a decision Trump attributed to Putin’s reluctance to engage with the Ukrainian leader personally.
Despite these setbacks, Trump expressed optimism about reaching a resolution, stating, “I think we’re going to get the war done.” He emphasized that diplomatic efforts remain ongoing and that he continues to push for meaningful negotiations to secure peace and stability in the region. The president highlighted that discussions are difficult but insists that progress is possible through persistent dialogue.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio coordinated with Ukraine’s foreign minister and counterparts from Britain, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the European Union. The group agreed to continue cooperation in diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting negotiated settlement. These discussions underscore a collective effort among allies to explore practical solutions while maintaining support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for credible security guarantees for Ukraine, emphasizing NATO-inspired defense support and strengthened military capabilities. Tajani also expressed Italy’s readiness to assist in demining operations on land and sea, reinforcing European commitment to Ukraine’s safety and long-term stability.
In contrast, Trump has repeatedly ruled out Ukraine’s NATO membership, while promising forward movement on security guarantees. His stance continues to balance pressure on Russia with diplomatic support for Ukraine, reflecting the complex dynamics among the United States, European allies, and Moscow in ongoing peace negotiations.