Trump and Putin discuss stalled Ukraine peace talks and possible diesel shipments

President Trump and President Putin held a telephone discussion in which they both recognized that immediate talks to end the Ukraine war are unlikely to restart. Putin reiterated that Moscow had been prepared to resume negotiations with Kyiv after last month’s parliamentary elections, but recent Ukrainian attacks on Moscow and on polling stations have put the peace process at risk. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the war a dangerous stalemate and said the United States will keep working toward a settlement.

The call also covered major economic initiatives, notably the possibility of Russian fuel, especially diesel, being shipped to the United States and global markets. Trump later claimed Russia had agreed to supply diesel immediately to help lower fuel prices before the upcoming US midterm elections, though analysts doubt the volume will significantly affect prices. The exchange highlights the intertwining of diplomatic negotiations and energy considerations in the broader conflict.