Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov announced on 9/3 that Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call lasting about one hour with US counterpart Donald Trump, initiated by Washington. The discussion focused on conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, as well as the situation in Venezuela.

Trump later confirmed a "very good phone call" with Putin to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and Middle East tensions involving Iran. This marked the first phone call between the two leaders this year and their first direct discussion since the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran, a key Russian partner in the Middle East. Ushakov stated that the call's primary focus was the conflict in Iran.

"The Russian president outlined several ideas to resolve the conflict as quickly as possible through political and diplomatic measures, including his recent contacts with Gulf leaders, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other officials," Ushakov said.

US President Donald Trump (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin. *Photo: AFP*

According to Ushakov, the US President also shared his assessments of the conflict situation. "The two sides exchanged detailed views on this matter, and I believe both sides will find it useful," the Russian official noted, without elaborating.

Meanwhile, Trump told Reuters that President Putin signaled his desire to participate in resolving issues related to Iran. "Putin wants to lend a hand in the conflict," the US President stated. However, Trump added that he suggested the Russian leader focus on ending the conflict in Ukraine. "I told him, 'You could help by ending the Russia-Ukraine war. That would be more useful'," the US President remarked.

Ushakov, for his part, said the US President expressed interest in resolving the Ukraine conflict by "achieving a ceasefire and resolution as soon as possible." The Russian side also positively assessed the mediation efforts undertaken personally by Trump and his team.

The two presidents also discussed the situation concerning Venezuela, "primarily from the perspective of developments in the global oil market." Ushakov described the phone call as "professional, open, and constructive, which is typical for dialogues between Russian and US leaders." Trump and Putin also agreed to maintain regular contact.

The conflict between Israel and the US with Iran erupted on 28/2 and has now lasted almost two weeks, resulting in over 1,500 deaths and disrupting the global energy market. Russia has voiced opposition to the attacks targeting Iran but affirmed that Tehran has not requested military assistance.

By Ngoc Anh (According to TASS, Reuters, AP)