Russian President Vladimir Putin told President Donald Trump he was ready to declare a ceasefire in Ukraine during Russia’s May 9 Victory Day commemorations, TASS reported Wednesday, citing Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.
Ushakov said Moscow initiated the phone call and that Trump supported the proposal. May 9 is Victory Day in Russia, honoring the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
TASS reported that Putin was willing to call a truce during the Victory Day celebrations. Ushakov said Trump responded positively and spoke favorably about Russia’s recently announced Easter ceasefire. He also referred to Victory Day as part of a shared World War II victory, according to TASS.
The two leaders also discussed efforts to end the Ukraine war. According to Ushakov, Trump told Putin he believed a deal to resolve the conflict was “within reach” and stressed the need to stop the fighting as soon as possible.
Ushakov said Trump’s representatives would continue talks with both Moscow and Kyiv.
A separate TASS report said the call focused mainly on escalating tensions involving Iran, while also touching on trilateral talks related to Ukraine.
Ushakov also said Putin expressed support for Trump after the April 25 shooting at the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was being held. He said Putin condemned politically motivated violence.
The Justice Department said Monday that Cole Tomas Allen had been charged with attempting to assassinate the president in the case.
The Kremlin aide said Putin and Trump agreed to remain in contact personally and through aides and representatives. According to TASS, it was their 12th conversation since Trump returned to the White House in early 2025.
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