Key takeaways:
🔶Trump wanted to discuss a number of issues ahead of his meeting with Zelensky
🔶The tone of the Putin-Trump call was friendly, constructive, and business-like
🔶Trump strongly pushed the idea of ending the conflict as soon as possible
🔶Trump was convinced the Russia seeks a political and diplomatic settlement to the crisis. "It is with this in mind that he intends to structure today's negotiations with Zelensky," Ushakov said
🔶Ukraine was urged to promptly make a decision on the Donbass, taking into account existing realities on the front
🔶Putin and Trump agreed that a temporary ceasefire under the pretext of a referendum would only prolong the conflict
🔶They agreed that a final end to hostilities requires a political decision by the Kiev regime regarding the Donbass
🔶Trump raised prospects for US economic cooperation with Russia and Ukraine
🔶Putin agreed to continue settlement efforts through two specially created working groups
🔶The two leaders agreed to speak again after Trump's meeting with Ukrainian officials
🔶The two leaders exchanged Christmas and New Year greetings
Trump confirmed on Truth Social that he "just had a good and very productive telephone call with President Putin" ahead of his meeting with Zelensky.
The latter "will take place in the main dining room of Mar-a-Lago. Press is invited," Trump added.
Sunday's call was the ninth of its kind since Trump's return to power. All of the discussions have revolved around efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, and reestablish Russia-US cooperation, including in trade and investments.