A Russian report on the Oct. 16 lengthy discussion between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump was provided by Putin’s key aide Yury Ushakov. Here is an abridged version from his report, which is posted to the website of the Russian President:
“The conversation lasted almost two-and-a-half hours. Clearly, it was a rather substantive and at the same time very open and frank exchange. Oct. 16, 2025 (EIRNS)—A Russian report on the Oct. 16 lengthy discussion between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump was provided by Putin’s key aide Yury Ushakov. Here is an abridged version from his report, which is posted to the website of the Russian President:
“The conversation lasted almost two-and-a-half hours. Clearly, it was a rather substantive and at the same time very open and frank exchange.
“Our President started out by congratulating Donald Trump on his successful efforts to normalize the situation in the Gaza Strip. The U.S. President’s peace work has been duly appreciated in the Middle East, in the United States itself, and in most countries around the world.
“Naturally, the Russian side outlined its principled position in favor of a comprehensive Middle East settlement on a generally recognized international legal basis that would ensure lasting peace for all the peoples in that region.
“A special emphasis during the conversation was placed on the Ukraine crisis. Vladimir Putin provided a detailed assessment of the current situation, stressing Russia’s interest in achieving a peaceful resolution through political and diplomatic methods.
“In particular, it was noted that during the special military operation, the Russian Armed Forces hold full strategic initiative along the entire line of contact. Under these circumstances, the Kiev regime resorts to terrorist methods, attacking civilian targets and energy infrastructure facilities, to which we are forced to respond accordingly.
“Donald Trump repeatedly emphasized the imperative of establishing peace in Ukraine at the earliest opportunity. The notion that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has proven the most intractable issue in all peacekeeping efforts of the U.S. President was palpably evident throughout his remarks during the conversation. In this context, he naturally mentioned his successes in settling eight other regional conflicts.
“It is noteworthy that one of the U.S. President’s key arguments centered on the premise that the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine would open up tremendous—and he stressed this—tremendous prospects for the development of U.S.-Russian economic cooperation.
“Incidentally, both sides spoke of the profound mutual affinity between the peoples of the two countries, which was so vividly demonstrated during the Second World War. It was underscored that the current state of bilateral relations appears paradoxical against this backdrop.
“The issue of potential supplies of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine was also raised. Vladimir Putin reiterated his position that Tomahawks would not change the situation on the battlefield but would inflict substantial damage to relations between our countries, to say nothing of the prospects for a peaceful settlement.
