Putin briefs Security Council after lengthy call with Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin has debriefed members of Russia's Security Council following a lengthy phone call with US President Donald Trump, according to a Kremlin official. The discussion, described as substantial and confidential, has set the stage for potential direct talks between the two leaders.

Substantial Discussion on Ukraine

Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, in a briefing to journalists, stated that the nearly 150-minute conversation placed particular emphasis on the ongoing war in Ukraine. The call, the eighth since Trump's inauguration for a second term, was characterized as "very substantive, yet also extremely frank and confidential," though Ushakov withheld specific details of the council briefing.

Planning for a Budapest Summit

A key outcome of the dialogue was the mutual agreement to explore another face-to-face meeting. Both sides have decided that their representatives will immediately begin preparations for a summit, with Budapest, Hungary, emerging as a likely venue. President Trump described the call as "very productive" and suggested a meeting could occur in Hungary within two weeks, pending initial talks between high-level delegations.

Timing Before Key White House Meeting

The high-level call between the US and Russian presidents took place just ahead of a scheduled meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. President Zelenskyy's agenda for his US visit was reported to focus on Ukraine's urgent needs for enhanced air defense and long-range capabilities.