On March 9, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a telephone conversation, as confirmed by the Kremlin. The dialogue lasted for approximately one hour and covered potential resolutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, according to Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy for negotiations with the U.S.
Dmitriev described the discussion as constructive, noting that both leaders expressed interest in addressing the ongoing situations. Yuri Ushakov, an aide to Putin, stated that Trump showed a desire for a swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
During the call, Putin reportedly informed Trump about the progress of Russian military operations, suggesting that this could encourage Ukraine to enter negotiations. However, earlier on the same day, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi asserted that active military actions by Ukraine have compelled the Russian army to adjust its planned operations. Syrskyi claimed that Ukrainian forces have regained control over a larger area of territory than has been captured by Russian forces during the same period, marking a significant shift since the Kursk operation in 2024.
This conversation marks the first between Trump and Putin in 2026, although they had discussed Ukraine multiple times in the previous year. The context of the call is further complicated by the recent military operations conducted by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which have reportedly slowed efforts to halt the conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a planned trilateral meeting involving representatives from Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia has been postponed.
In addition to the discussions on Ukraine, the Kremlin indicated that Putin expressed thoughts aimed at achieving a prompt political and diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Iran. Details of the conversation remain undisclosed, and the U.S. side has not yet released information regarding the call. However, the White House confirmed to Radio Free Europe that the conversation did take place.
Reports have emerged suggesting that Russia is providing Iran with intelligence information for strikes against U.S. forces in the Middle East, including data on the locations of U.S. military assets such as ships and aircraft. U.S. intelligence agencies have declined to comment publicly on these reports.
Meanwhile, President Trump stated that he is unaware of any support from Russia for Iran. “If that is the case, they are not doing very well, as things in Iran are not going well,” Trump remarked. The White House has also dismissed the significance of the reported intelligence support from Moscow. On March 7, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff indicated that Moscow had been advised not to provide Iran with intelligence data amid U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
Related: Putin Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Conversation with Iranian President
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call discussing the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. The conversation, described as constructive, highlights ongoing military developments and diplomatic efforts amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.