RT.com
19 Mar 2025, 21:55 GMT+10
Those conversations with the Russian leader have not been made public, according to the US president
US President Donald Trump has stated that he's had phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin other than the ones made public since he took office on January 20.
So far, the Kremlin and the White House have officially confirmed two conversations between the leaders, with one taking place in mid-February and the other on Tuesday.
Trump said in an interview with the Washington Examiner that the one this week "was a very good call."
"I think it is the beginning of something good. The beginning really took place three or four weeks ago. You know, I have spoken to Putin over - this is not just a call that began it. We have had other calls," he claimed.
Those contacts have not been disclosed to the public by Washington or by Moscow, but they were "positive," the US president added.
Trump insisted that his agreement with Putin during Tuesday's call for Russia and Ukraine to refrain from striking each other's energy infrastructure for 30 days is "a big thing."
The Kremlin announced that Putin "immediately" ordered the Russian military to stop attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, while the Defense Ministry in Moscow said on Wednesday that it had to shoot down seven of the drones it had already launched towards targets in Nikolaev Region after receiving the president's command.
The US leader expressed hope that Tuesday's agreement "will lead to other things," including "probably a full ceasefire at the appropriate time."
"It is hard right now because you have got guys looking at each other with gun barrels... but the next thing would be a full ceasefire and a deal," he said.
Last week, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow to propose a 30-day ceasefire, to which Kiev had agreed to earlier.
The Russian leader said he endorses the idea of a ceasefire in principle, but insisted on resolving several issues before it can go into effect, including the fate of Ukrainian forces currently encircled in Russia's Kursk Region.
READ MORE: Russia shot down own drones after Putin-Trump call - MOD
He also expressed concerns that Kiev could use the pause in the fighting to replenish its military after a series of defeats on the battlefield.
Get a daily dose of St Petersburg Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to St Petersburg Star.
More InformationThose conversations with the Russian leader have not been made public, according to the US president ...
This photo taken on March 18, 2025 shows an exterior view of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi) * Although Putin has...
New Delhi [India], March 19 (ANI): Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh delivered the keynote address at the 14th meeting of ASEAN...
Gandhinagar (Gujarat), March 19 (ANI): Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his joy and extended heartfelt congratulations to Sunita...
The Ukrainian leader has insisted we will win and teased coming contact with US President Donald Trump ...
Several national security agencies have reportedly halted a tracking program launched by the Biden administration The US has halted...
WASHINGTON, D.C./SEATTLE: Boeing is facing mounting scrutiny after a series of safety lapses and manufacturing issues, with U.S. Transportation...
OMAHA, Nebraska: Vaccines could help stop bird flu and prevent the mass killing of chickens, which has driven egg prices up to nearly...
In spectacular fashion, Israel has upended peace talks and brought to a dramatic end the ceasefire that had paused 15-months of carnage...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Department of Education is investigating 45 universities for possible violations of civil rights laws. ...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Gold prices have shattered the US$3,000 per ounce barrier for the first time, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: The Trump administration is pressuring major food companies to remove artificial dyes from their products,...