U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning following a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which the Kremlin leader vowed to respond to a recent Ukrainian drone attack on Russian airbases. The strike, carried out on June 1, targeted nuclear-capable long-range bombers and marked one of the most significant aerial assaults by Ukraine deep inside Russian territory.
Speaking on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that the conversation with Putin, which lasted over an hour, would not lead to “immediate peace” but confirmed that Putin had “very strongly” expressed his intention to retaliate. The Russian president, according to Trump, accused Ukraine of attempting to “disrupt” peace negotiations and described Kyiv’s government as a “terrorist organisation.”
The call comes amid heightened tensions, with both sides escalating drone and missile attacks. Trump has previously criticized Putin’s military campaign, saying he was “playing with fire” and had gone “absolutely crazy.” However, he continues to push for dialogue, claiming progress is still possible despite the intensifying conflict.
In the same conversation, Trump said the leaders also discussed Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Putin reportedly expressed willingness to assist with ongoing nuclear talks, aligning with the U.S. stance that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. Trump emphasized urgency, saying Iran is “slow walking” its decision and that a “definitive answer” is needed soon. The U.S. has proposed Iran halt uranium enrichment in favor of a regional fuel consortium, a plan criticized by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials including Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and presidential adviser Andriy Yermak were in Washington for talks with U.S. senators. Their agenda includes defense support, battlefield updates, sanctions, and reconstruction investment.
This high-stakes diplomacy unfolds as peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul recently ended with no breakthrough. While Kyiv demands an unconditional ceasefire, Moscow has proposed limited ceasefires in certain areas, without specifics.
The future of the conflict remains uncertain, but Trump’s remarks underscore rising global concern over potential escalation.
