U.S. President Donald Trump reported a lengthy and productive phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing it as a significant step toward resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He said Putin had also congratulated him on his efforts to advance Middle East peace, noting that the Gaza ceasefire could potentially serve as a model to help end the ongoing war. Trump expressed optimism that discussions in Budapest, Hungary, where he plans to participate in upcoming talks, could provide an “end card” to the four-year-long conflict.
The conversation reportedly lasted over two hours and followed a prior in-person meeting between the two leaders in Alaska on August 15. Trump indicated that the call also addressed post-war trade relations between the U.S. and Russia, emphasizing mutual interest in economic cooperation once hostilities in Ukraine conclude. He noted that both sides agreed to meet at a pre-designated location in Budapest to continue discussions.
🚨 BREAKING: Following a TWO HOUR phone call this morning, President Trump announces he and Vladimir Putin have agreed to meet in Budapest, Hungary to try to end the war in Ukraine once and for all
The Peace President NEVER stops!
Make this the NINTH war you’ve ended, 47! pic.twitter.com/Na51o7yndd
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 16, 2025
In addition, Trump confirmed plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday, during which he intends to brief him on his conversation with Putin. He also announced that next week a high-level U.S.-Russia advisory meeting would take place, with Senator Marco Rubio representing the United States. The discussions are expected to further explore conflict resolution and strategic cooperation between the two nations.