Trump and Putin Discuss Ukraine War in Hourlong Call

President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, for approximately one hour in a call that focused on finding a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine war and potentially restoring broader U.S.-Russia relations. The conversation occurred as the White House renewed diplomatic efforts to broker peace, following a weekend visit by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow and Kyiv. According to Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, the call was constructive and candid. Moscow reported that Trump emphasized his desire for a rapid resolution to the conflict and discussed the possibility of fully restoring diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. Putin reportedly expressed support for continued diplomatic discussions and outlined Russia's battlefield position and negotiation stance. Ushakov also stated that Putin assured Trump that Russia harbors no aggressive plans toward European countries, suggesting that narratives about a Russian threat are used by Europeans to justify increased military spending and support for Ukraine. The U.S.