Kremlin Adviser: Putin-Trump Call Lasted Two Hours, Discussed 9-for-9 Prisoner Exchange

Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov disclosed that a telephone conversation between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump lasted two hours and five minutes, describing it as frank and constructive.

Ushakov reported that this call was the third between the two leaders since Trump took office, and that the conversation opened with Trump congratulating Putin on the birth of his eleventh grandchild and wishing him good health.

Ushakov said the leaders discussed the matter of settling the Ukrainian conflict and the progress of direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, noting that Putin expressed his gratitude to Trump for his personal attention to the Ukrainian file and his genuine desire to achieve lasting and long-term peace. Ushakov added: "Trump's positive role and that of representatives of the U.S. administration in bringing Kyiv back to the negotiating table recently was noted."

On bilateral relations, both sides affirmed their support for further normalization of ties between the two countries, and the leaders addressed the prisoner exchange file, with Ushakov announcing that the presidents discussed working toward a new exchange at a rate of 9 prisoners for 9 others, considering it an "important humanitarian act" implemented repeatedly over the past months.

Ushakov pointed out that Trump spoke with emotion about the future of bilateral relations, emphasizing that he repeatedly stressed his support for relations based on mutual respect and shared benefit, in light of Russia's global role and economic standing. Ushakov clarified that "Trump sees Russia as one of the most important partners of the United States in the fields of economics and trade."

On the international level, Ushakov noted that Putin welcomed the results of Trump's tour of the Middle East and praised American efforts aimed at improving conditions in troubled regions. The Russian president also welcomed the launch of negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding the Iranian nuclear program through Omani mediation, emphasizing that Russia supports reaching solutions acceptable to both sides through political and diplomatic means.

Ushakov concluded that the leaders agreed to continue dialogue on all matters under discussion, including the Ukrainian crisis, though he pointed to the necessity of thorough and comprehensive preparation for any forthcoming face-to-face meeting between them.