Russian President Vladimir Putin warned U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday that Moscow would respond to recent Ukrainian drone strikes on its nuclear-capable bomber fleet. Despite rising tensions, Putin described ongoing peace negotiations with Ukraine as "useful."
The call between the two leaders lasted over an hour and focused on Ukraine’s escalating attacks, including recent strikes deep in Siberia. Trump acknowledged the conversation on social media, calling it “good,” but noted it wouldn’t result in immediate peace. Putin, meanwhile, emphasized that Russia would retaliate for the bomber attacks.
Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, said both sides had exchanged peace proposals and that Moscow found the talks promising. He added that international topics, especially Iran’s nuclear ambitions, were also discussed. Trump claimed Putin agreed that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon, calling Tehran’s actions “deliberately slow.”
The Kremlin accused Ukraine of terrorism over its recent strikes on bridges and bombers, claiming Western nations—particularly the U.S. and U.K.—were enabling Kyiv. Russia has demanded the West restrain Ukraine. The White House stated Trump was not briefed in advance of the attacks.
With Russia and the U.S. together holding 88% of the world’s nuclear arsenal, any strike on strategic bombers—part of the nuclear triad—is considered dangerously escalatory. Russian officials hinted that military responses were being considered and urged Washington and London to help de-escalate.
While Ukraine has not officially commented on the bomber strikes, it has denied targeting civilians. Kyiv maintains that Moscow is blocking peace by demanding conditions before agreeing to a ceasefire. As both sides prepare for further negotiations, the risk of a broader conflict remains high.