Putin vows to respond to Ukraine drone attack, Trump warns
After a phone call with Putin that lasted more than an hour, Trump shared that the Russian leader "did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields."
Vladimir Putin has said he will respond to Ukraine’s recent drone strike on Russian airbases, according to US President Donald Trump.
After a phone call with Putin that lasted more than an hour, Trump shared that the Russian leader "did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields."
Trump also warned that the call "would not lead to immediate peace" between Russia and Ukraine.
The phone conversation was the first between the two since Ukraine launched a surprise drone attack on June 1, targeting Russian airbases housing nuclear-capable long-range bombers.
Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti reported that Putin described the Ukrainian government as having “essentially turned into a terrorist organisation” and accused Kyiv of trying to “disrupt” negotiations.
Trump also said the two leaders discussed Iran. He mentioned Putin suggested he might help with nuclear talks involving the country.
"It is my opinion that Iran has been slow walking their decision on this very important matter," Trump wrote, adding, "We will need a definitive answer in a very short period of time."
Putin "suggested that he will participate in discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion."
The Kremlin said the US was not warned in advance of the Ukrainian drone attack.
Last week, Trump set a two-week deadline for Putin, threatening to change the US response if progress on peace talks was not clear.
However, Trump did not mention this deadline or his earlier critical comments on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, was scheduled to meet US senators in Washington.
They planned to discuss arms support, sanctions on Russia, and a reconstruction investment fund.
This follows the recent peace talks in Istanbul, which ended without major breakthroughs. Ukrainian negotiators said Russia rejected Kyiv’s demand for an unconditional ceasefire.
The Russian team proposed multi-day ceasefires in some frontline areas but gave no further details.
Trump has maintained that the two sides are making progress despite ongoing fighting and attacks in both countries.
