US President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that he was in a lengthy conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, just a day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit the White House seeking more military support.
“The conversation is ongoing, a lengthy one, and I will report the contents, as will President Putin, at its conclusion,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform during the discussion.
Zelenskyy is expected to press Trump for advanced weaponry, including long-range Tomahawk missiles, which would put Moscow and other major Russian cities within Ukraine’s strike range. Trump has indicated he could authorize the supply if Putin continues to resist coming to the negotiating table.
The discussions come amid a new wave of Russian attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy and power infrastructure. Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched over 300 drones and 37 missiles in overnight strikes on Thursday alone. Russian forces have increasingly targeted gas infrastructure this winter, continuing a pattern of hitting critical energy systems as the war enters its fourth year.
Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to end the conflict, has voiced growing frustration with Putin over ongoing attacks. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
With Zelenskyy’s visit imminent, US diplomacy faces a delicate balancing act: providing critical military aid to Kyiv while navigating tense communications with Moscow, all as NATO continues to grapple with escalating Russian air incursions.
