Trump and Putin Discuss Ukraine Peace After Envoy Visits

President Donald Trump held a one-hour confidential phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 8, 2026, to urge a swift end to the war in Ukraine. The conversation followed visits to Moscow and Kyiv by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on September 5-6. Trump proposed that a resolution would allow for the full restoration of U.S.-Russian trade and economic ties, while Putin provided a battlefield analysis and denied having aggressive plans toward Europe.

Despite the Kremlin describing the call as constructive, no breakthrough was reached. Putin continues to demand the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk region, a condition Ukraine rejects. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Russian victory is very near, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed doubt regarding a quick end to the conflict.

Diplomatic efforts coincided with a volatile security situation. Following a brief weekend truce, Russia launched massive missile and drone strikes on September 7 and 8, targeting Kyiv, Odesa, and other major cities. These attacks killed at least five civilians in Kyiv and struck the We Are Ukraine TV channel. In response, the European Commission approved a 3.2 billion euro loan to help Ukraine purchase Patriot air defense components. Zelenskyy is now seeking a meeting with Trump around September 20 to request further military support and discuss trilateral talks.