Putin called the discussion "substantive, candid, and quite useful."
Additionally, the dictator claimed that Moscow “supports ending the hostilities, but more effective steps toward peace need to be developed first.” The statement contradicts the Kremlin’s actual policy, since Putin has refused Kyiv’s repeated calls for a 30-day ceasefire.
He also said Russia is "ready to work" on a memorandum with Ukraine that would outline a future peace agreement, by “finding compromises acceptable to all parties.”
Before calling the Russian dictator, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Axios, the conversation lasted several minutes. The Wall Street Journal reported the Ukrainian president asked Trump to discuss a 30-day ceasefire with Putin, as well as suggest an in-person meeting between Zelenskyy, Putin, and possibly Trump.
On May 17, Trump announced he plans to call Putin to discuss steps towards ending the invasion of Ukraine.