In a significant diplomatic development, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a direct phone conversation on December 29, 2025, to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. The call, which preceded a planned meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, revealed a united front from the two powerful leaders on a critical issue: their opposition to a temporary ceasefire.
A Shared Stance Against Temporary Truce
According to official statements from the Kremlin, both President Putin and President Trump are against the idea of implementing a temporary pause in hostilities. Their shared reasoning, as reported, is that such a measure would not bring a lasting solution but would instead prolong the conflict. This position presents a direct challenge to other international actors who have advocated for humanitarian pauses and complicates the immediate prospects for relief on the ground in Ukraine.
Agreement on Bilateral Working Groups
Despite the firm stance on the ceasefire, the conversation yielded a concrete step forward. The two leaders agreed to establish joint security and economic working groups between Washington and Moscow. This move indicates a channel for direct dialogue and potential negotiation on the structural issues surrounding the war. During the call, President Trump emphasized the urgency of ending the war, signalling a continued focus on the conflict from the US administration.
Diverging Paths to Peace: Zelensky's Hope vs. Moscow's Demand
The Trump-Putin dialogue occurs amidst intensifying diplomatic pressure ahead of critical talks scheduled to be held in Florida, USA. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his hope to reach a viable peace framework through these discussions. However, Moscow maintains a firm condition, insisting that only a comprehensive and full settlement will be acceptable, ruling out any interim or partial agreements. This fundamental divergence sets the stage for a complex and high-stakes negotiation process.
The outcomes of this high-level call between Trump and Putin are poised to significantly influence the upcoming diplomatic engagements. The establishment of working groups offers a new mechanism for discussion, while the rejection of a ceasefire underscores the challenging road ahead for achieving peace in Ukraine.
