Putin Downplays Ukraine Talks Resumption in Trump Call

Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump on Friday that an immediate return to peace talks with Ukraine is unlikely. He cited drone attacks on Moscow during last month's parliamentary elections.

• Putin said Moscow had been ready to resume talks after the elections.
• Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the attacks targeted polling stations and election organizers.
• 300,000+ tonnes of Russian diesel will reach US and global markets, Trump said.
• Zelenskyy said this week Ukraine was ready for trilateral talks this month.

Why it matters: The pause stalls US-led efforts to end the war. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a dangerous stalemate on Thursday.

• Zelenskyy called the diesel deal a gift to Putin that funds the war.
• US lawmakers and European allies also criticized the diesel agreement.

How 5 sources split on this story

Where they split: The dispute is whether the diesel deal is a fuel-price measure or a financial lifeline for Russia's war, as Zelenskyy says.

What’s next: Ushakov said the Kremlin will now assess when negotiations can resume.

• US negotiators aim to present a proposal to Russia in the coming weeks.
• The UK said it will keep pressure on Russia through sanctions.
• Will the diesel deal change US or allied sanctions policy toward Russia?
• When, if ever, will trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US resume?