Trump and Putin Reopen Direct Ukraine Diplomacy

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the Ukraine conflict in what the Kremlin called an extremely frank and constructive hourlong telephone call.[8] The conversation followed weekend visits to Moscow and Kyiv by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as Washington sought to restart stalled efforts to end the fighting.[8] Why it matters: The call places the US and Russian presidents back into direct contact while Washington presses for renewed face-to-face negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.[8] Key insights: The Kremlin characterized the presidential conversation as both frank and constructive.[8] | Witkoff and Kushner visited both Moscow and Kyiv before the call.[8] | Washington is advocating new direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.[8] Cheatsheet facts: What changed: Trump and Putin held an hourlong call focused on the Ukraine conflict after fresh US diplomatic visits to Moscow and Kyiv.[8] | Why now: US negotiators are attempting to revive long-stalled efforts to end the fighting.[8] | Watch next: Watch for Moscow and Kyiv to agree to the fresh face-to-face talks being promoted by Washington.[8]