Vladimir Putin has reportedly warned Donald Trump that there will be “extremely harmful consequences” if the US attacks Iran again, as the pair reportedly discussed a potential Ukraine ceasefire in a 90-minute call
Vladimir Putin has issued a warning to Donald Trump that there will be “extremely harmful consequences” should the US launch further attacks on Iran, according to reports.
It came as the two leaders discussed the Iran conflict and floated a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine during a 90-minute telephone conversation on Wednesday.
Putin’s foreign policy adviser said the Russian president told Washington that Moscow regarded the prospect of a US ground operation in Iran as perilous.
Russian media reported that he informed Trump he anticipates “extremely harmful consequences” if the US and Israel strike Iran again, describing any ground operation or invasion as “extremely dangerous and unacceptable”.
Trump later commented: “We had a very good conversation, I’ve known him a long time.”
He added that Putin proposed taking Iran’s buried uranium to Russia, but Trump said he preferred the Russian president to be “involved with ending the war in Ukraine”.
“I said, before you help me, I want to end your war,” said Trump.
The American president, who has frequently spoken of his rapport with the Russian leader, said he believes they will “come up with a solution relatively quickly” to the Ukraine conflict.
Trump added that he had “suggested a little bit of a ceasefire” and said Putin “might do that.”
He also hinted – as he has previously – that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy bore responsibility for not agreeing to a peace settlement. A Russian official revealed the two leaders had held talks over a possible short-term ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the anniversary of the end of the Second World War next month.
A comparable proposal was put forward last year, but ultimately failed to materialise.
This followed a landmark address by King Charles to Congress, in which he urged for “unyielding resolve” in the ongoing protection of Ukraine and its people.
