The world is on edge.
Former President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he held a high-level phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the rapidly escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The 75-minute conversation focused on Ukraine’s recent drone attacks on Russian military airfields, an operation that has dramatically heightened tensions in the region.
Posting to his Truth Social platform, President Trump said the two leaders had a “good conversation,” but one that would “not lead to immediate peace.” Trump emphasized that Putin was strongly considering retaliation for the strikes that destroyed dozens of Russian warplanes.
“We talked about Ukraine’s strike on Russian aircraft stationed at their bases, along with other ongoing military actions from both sides,” Trump stated. “Putin was very clear—he intends to respond to the airfield attacks.”
According to multiple sources, the Ukrainian military launched “Operation Spider’s Web,” a highly coordinated drone strike that targeted five separate Russian airbases. Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed over 40 bomber aircraft and surveillance planes, dealing a major blow to Russia’s air power. The Russian Ministry of Defense later confirmed the strikes.
Fox News reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky personally oversaw the planning and execution of the operation, which had been in development for more than 18 months. The Trump administration was not briefed in advance, raising questions about coordination among Western allies.
Separately, Ukrainian forces also detonated a massive underwater blast that targeted a key bridge linking Russia to Crimea. Meanwhile, Zelensky accused Russia of launching a “savage” rocket attack on the northeastern city of Sumy, allegedly targeting civilian neighborhoods.
In response to the phone call, the Kremlin issued a statement claiming the “Kyiv regime has degenerated into a terrorist organization.” Russian aides said Putin viewed the latest diplomatic talks in Istanbul as “useful,” although no ceasefire was reached.
President Trump has consistently called for strong leadership and immediate peace negotiations, but has expressed growing disappointment with Putin’s refusal to compromise. The Russian leader’s recent demands for large portions of Ukrainian territory remain unacceptable to Kyiv and have stalled any meaningful progress.
The call also addressed the growing threat of Iran’s nuclear program—an issue of major concern for national security and conservative Americans. President Trump made it clear to Putin that the clock is ticking to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
“Iran must never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump wrote. “President Putin and I appeared to agree on that. He offered to help move discussions forward. But I believe Iran is dragging its feet—we need a definitive answer, and fast.”
As President Trump continues to show strong leadership on the global stage, many are questioning the lack of decisive action from the Biden administration. The White House has remained largely silent as U.S. allies are drawn deeper into foreign conflicts.
