Putin Vows to Continue Ukraine War Despite Trump Call, Amidst Aid Concerns

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his commitment to continuing the war in Ukraine, stating he will not cease military action until Russia achieves its objectives. This stance was communicated during a recent direct call between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to Russian diplomat Yuri Ushakov, Putin expressed a desire for a political and negotiated resolution to the conflict. However, Ushakov also emphasized that Russia would persist in its efforts to achieve its stated goals, which include addressing the underlying causes of the conflict and the current state of affairs. Putin made it clear that Russia would not deviate from these objectives.

Putin has consistently justified the invasion by claiming Ukraine posed a threat due to its aspirations to join NATO. He has also made it clear that he seeks to remove President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and overthrow the Ukrainian government in Kyiv. The White House has not yet commented on Trump's reaction to Putin's continued war intentions.

The call occurred shortly after the U.S. announced a pause in the delivery of some previously promised military aid to Ukraine, which was already in Poland. Experts have expressed concerns that this pause could embolden Putin and escalate his war ambitions. The Kremlin's readout of the call did not mention whether this decision by the Trump administration was discussed.

The two leaders also reportedly discussed the conflict in the Middle East, specifically focusing on Iran and recent U.S. and Israeli actions against Tehran's nuclear program. The Russian readout further stated the importance of resolving all disputes through political and diplomatic means.