Trump Engages Putin, Uncertain on Which Conflict Will Conclude First

In a significant dialogue, President Trump revealed that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a potential "little bit of a ceasefire" in Ukraine during their recent conversation about the ongoing conflicts in both Ukraine and Iran.

After the call, Trump informed reporters that he believes Putin may consider his suggestion and could make an announcement regarding it. According to Russian state news agency TASS, Putin indicated he might be prepared to declare a ceasefire coinciding with Victory Day, a notable Russian holiday on May 9 that honors the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945.

"I had a long talk with President Putin," Trump stated in the Oval Office, surrounded by astronauts from the Artemis II mission celebrating their achievements. "I suggested a little bit of a ceasefire and I think he might do that. He might announce something having to do with it."

However, Trump expressed uncertainty about whether the conflict in Ukraine or the U.S. engagement with Iran would conclude first. He speculated that both wars could potentially align on a "similar timetable," noting that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began over four years ago.

"Which war would end first? I don't know, maybe they're on a similar timetable," he remarked when posed with the question, labeling it an "interesting question."

Trump conveyed his belief that Putin is eager for a resolution, stating, "he was ready to make a deal a while ago." Despite Trump's ongoing efforts to encourage negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, tangible progress remains elusive.

"I think we're going to come up with a solution relatively quickly," he asserted regarding Ukraine, though specifics on how or when remain ambiguous.

TASS reported that the conversation between Trump and Putin lasted over 90 minutes.

During their discussion, Trump mentioned that Putin offered assistance with "enrichment" in Iran, seemingly referring to efforts to manage Iran's enriched uranium. However, Trump indicated his preference for Putin to concentrate on the situation in Ukraine.

"He told me he'd like to be involved with the enrichment, if he can help us get it," Trump recounted. "I said, 'I'd much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine.' To me, that would be more important."