Putin calls Trump on 80th birthday to discuss Ukraine and Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin phoned U.S. President Donald Trump on the latter's 80th birthday, according to Russian aide Yuri Ushakov. The conversation, lasting about an hour, covered the wars in Ukraine and Iran, prospects for ending the Ukrainian conflict, and ways to improve Russia‑U.S. relations. Trump said he was ready to use the upcoming G7 summit and his European partners to push for a cease‑fire, while Putin highlighted the possibility of U.S. special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, visiting Russia soon.

Ushakov added that First Lady Melania Trump had previously sent a letter to Putin urging the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia, and that Trump conveyed her thanks during the call. The leaders also referenced previous contacts, noting their last telephone conversation on 29 April and that Trump had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the same day. No birthday gift was reported to have been exchanged.