Putin announces phone call with Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that he will hold a phone call with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, on Thursday.

The Russian leader made the announcement while touring an exhibition in Moscow of emerging Russian brands, adding that he “will definitely suggest that he use this material to promote it on the American market.” Putin did not provide further details on the agenda of the call.

Trump has confirmed the plans for a conversation, which he said will take place at 14:00 GMT.

Speaking at the forum, Putin asked attendees for questions he could potentially pose to his US counterpart. One guest asked the Russian leader to raise the topic of exchanging films that could shed light on the cultural values of both countries.

At around 6 p.m. Moscow time, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the phone call between Trump and Putin was underway. He added that the Kremlin intends to hold a briefing on the results of the conversation after it concludes.

Since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, he and Putin have held at least five official phone calls. The discussions have focused on efforts to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict, arms control, and restoring bilateral ties, which sank to an all-time low during the previous US administration. The latest phone call took place on June 14 and revolved around Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities as well as retaliation from Tehran.

Earlier in the day, Peskov did not comment when asked if Putin was planning to congratulate Trump on US Independence Day, celebrated on July 4.

On June 12, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Russia on its national day, voicing hope for a lasting peace between Moscow and Kiev. Ukraine, however, criticized countries that extended messages to Russia, claiming that Moscow should not be “rewarded” on the world stage.

Putin also expressed regret about leaving the conference, but said it would be “awkward” to keep Trump waiting.