In a direct follow-up to meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the path forward on security for Ukraine.
The call took place after the August 18 summit in Washington where Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders explored options for a lasting security framework. Trump’s subsequent call to Putin suggests an effort to keep diplomatic channels open with all parties.
In his summary to the press, Trump indicated that the U.S. would not be the primary underwriter of these security guarantees. Instead, he expects European nations to assume that role, with the U.S. providing “backup” support.
Moreover, Trump revealed that his dialogue with Putin is multifaceted. During an earlier meeting in Alaska on August 15, their conversation ventured into post-conflict possibilities, including mutual reductions in their nuclear weapons stockpiles.