U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, just a day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s scheduled visit to the White House. The Ukrainian leader is expected to seek expanded U.S. military assistance as the war between Kyiv and Moscow intensifies.
Zelenskiy is set to meet Trump on Friday to request additional support, including long-range offensive missiles. Both Ukraine and Russia have escalated their attacks, focusing heavily on energy infrastructure, while NATO faces challenges in responding to a series of Russian air incursions.
Trump confirmed the call with Putin in a post on his Truth Social platform, describing it as “a lengthy conversation.” The Kremlin also acknowledged the discussion through Russia’s state-run RIA news agency. “The conversation is ongoing, a lengthy one, and I will report the contents, as will President Putin, at its conclusion,” Trump wrote.
Ukraine Seeks Long-Range Missiles
Ukraine is pushing for U.S. Tomahawk long-range missiles that would allow it to strike deep inside Russia, including major cities such as Moscow.
Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to end the war that began with Russia’s 2022 invasion, has voiced growing frustration with Putin’s continued offensives. He said he is prepared to supply advanced weapons to Ukraine if Moscow refuses to negotiate.
In its latest assault, Russia launched more than 300 drones and 37 missiles overnight on Thursday, targeting critical infrastructure across Ukraine, according to Zelenskiy. Kyiv, in turn, struck Russian facilities, including an oil refinery in the Saratov region.
As the conflict enters its fourth year, Russia has continued to bombard Ukraine’s energy grid through consecutive winters, attempting to weaken the country’s resilience.
Trump also issued fresh warnings to Moscow, stating that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt oil purchases from Russia. He added that his administration would press China to follow suit.
However, India has not confirmed any such agreement. Reuters reported that some Indian refiners are considering gradually reducing their Russian oil imports, according to sources familiar with the matter.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s stance on Wednesday, saying the United States would “impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression” if the war persists.