President Donald Trump confirmed a lengthy, 2.5-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 28, 2025, describing the conversation as “very interesting” and expressing optimism about future cooperation. The call, which occurred shortly after Trump’s Mar-a-Lago meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, focused primarily on prospects for peace in Ukraine and broader U.S.–Russia relations.

“I was on the phone with him for almost two-and-a-half hours. We discussed a lot of things. We didn’t talk about the weather,” Trump remarked, signaling the depth and seriousness of the discussions. Both White House and Kremlin statements characterized the call as “positive,” though no specific concessions or agreements were detailed publicly.

Trump’s comments reflect an effort to move beyond prior tensions tied to the so-called “Russia hoax” narrative, emphasizing pragmatic diplomacy and potential areas for collaboration, including trade and regional security. Observers note that the call fits within broader U.S. efforts to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict, leveraging Trump’s direct communication with both leaders.

The president also framed the dialogue as part of a coordinated strategy with European partners and Ukraine, following his recent in-person discussions with Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago. Officials suggest that Trump aims to use these talks to create momentum toward a ceasefire and to encourage cooperative engagement between Moscow and Kyiv.

By highlighting the constructive tone and duration of the call, Trump signaled confidence that continued dialogue could yield tangible progress, underscoring his personal role in advancing negotiations and positioning the United States as a central mediator in the ongoing conflict.