In a recent telephone conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin informed Donald Trump that Moscow will respond to the recent Ukrainian drone strikes, as reported by the U.S. President. Trump stated that their discussion encompassed the attacks on Russian aircraft and other hostilities occurring between the two nations. He emphasized that Putin firmly indicated a necessary response to the Ukrainian assaults on Russian airfields, although Trump noted that the conversation, while constructive, would not lead to immediate peace.
Earlier on Wednesday, Russia announced that military options remain “on the table” following the attacks deep within its territory and accused Western nations of complicity. Meanwhile, Putin also spoke with Pope Leo, expressing gratitude for the Vatican’s willingness to assist in resolving the ongoing Ukraine conflict while accusing Kyiv of intentionally escalating tensions and engaging in sabotage against Russian civilian infrastructure.
In light of the weekend’s attacks, Russian officials urged the U.S. and Britain to restrain Ukrainian actions, as these strikes highlight Kyiv’s continued resistance after more than three years of war. Both U.S. and British officials denied any prior knowledge of the attacks on Russian nuclear-capable bombers.
Furthermore, Trump mentioned that he and Putin discussed Iran, with Putin showing interest in participating in talks aimed at establishing a new nuclear agreement with Tehran. Trump asserted his position that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon, stating that they found common ground on this issue.
On the matter of the conflict, the Kremlin reiterated that the “root causes” must be addressed, referring to Russia’s demands for Ukraine to adopt neutral status and NATO to halt its eastward expansion. While Russia aims to improve relations with the Vatican and its predecessors, officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, argue that the Vatican is not an appropriate venue for peace talks between predominantly Orthodox nations. The Russian statement expressed hope that the Vatican would advocate for religious freedom for members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, historically linked to Russia.
