The Two-Hour Call: Is the Putin–Trump Dialogue a Prelude to a Dramatic Shift in the Ukraine War?

ALDAR/

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a lengthy phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, lasting nearly two hours, sparking widespread speculation about its potential impact on the ongoing war between Moscow and Kyiv.

Although no detailed official statements were issued by either side regarding the content of the conversation, the timing and duration of the call attracted significant attention from observers. This is especially true given the current preparations for the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, in which Trump stands out as one of the leading Republican candidates, well known for his public stance favoring a reduction in U.S. support for Ukraine.

According to analysts, the call may carry symbolic messages that go beyond its direct content. Putin, who has been steering the war in Ukraine for over two years, may have been signaling that the future of the conflict is closely tied to political changes in Washington. As for Trump, it is believed that he is working to reinforce his image as a global leader capable of engaging in sensitive dialogues that could lead to major settlements, despite not currently holding office.

Some observers consider the call to be a preemptive step by both sides, anticipating the possibility of Trump winning the presidency in 2025. Such an outcome could dramatically alter the White House’s policy on Ukraine and potentially lead to a significant reduction in military and financial aid to Kyiv—an outcome Moscow is clearly hoping for.

Meanwhile, there is growing concern in Ukrainian circles that any potential rapprochement between Trump and Putin could negatively affect Western support for Kyiv. These fears are compounded by stalled U.S. aid in Congress and increasing calls to “end the war through negotiation” rather than military escalation.

European diplomatic sources affirm that Western capitals are closely monitoring these unofficial contacts, which could be interpreted as early signs of a possible diplomatic shift in the Ukraine war—especially if accompanied by major political changes in the United States over the coming year.

While it remains impossible to confirm what was actually discussed during the two-hour call between Putin and Trump, the fact that it took place at such a critical moment reveals a new dynamic unfolding behind the scenes—one that may significantly shape the future of one of the most complex geopolitical conflicts of the 21st century.