Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled that Moscow remains &ldquo;open to a settlement&rdquo; in the ongoing war with Ukraine during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to multiple reports. The high-stakes conversation comes just as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to meet Trump at the White House in a bid to secure advanced weaponry.
The Kremlin said the details of the call would remain confidential, but confirmed that both leaders discussed the war and &ldquo;potential diplomatic steps.&rdquo; Sources indicated that plans are underway for a possible Putin&ndash;Trump summit in Budapest, Hungary in the coming weeks, though no firm date has been announced.
Zelensky is expected in Washington this weekend, where the delivery of Tomahawk cruise missiles will be at the top of the agenda. Kyiv has long sought long-range weapons capable of striking deep into Russian-held territory, arguing they are critical for turning the tide of the war.
Trump has signaled caution on the missile issue, stressing that while the U.S. is reviewing the request, he is wary of depleting American stockpiles. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s being looked at very seriously,&rdquo; Trump said earlier this week, indicating that he has yet to make a final decision.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has warned that sending Tomahawks to Ukraine would escalate tensions further. Russian officials said such a move would be viewed as a &ldquo;major provocation&rdquo; and could damage U.S.&ndash;Russia relations.
Putin reportedly briefed members of his Security Council following the Trump call, underscoring the strategic weight of the discussion. The timing is also notable: Zelensky&rsquo;s visit comes amid fresh Russian strikes on Ukraine&rsquo;s energy infrastructure, including gas facilities.
A senior Ukrainian official told reporters that Kyiv hopes for a clear decision from Washington during the Zelensky&ndash;Trump meeting. &ldquo;This is a decisive moment,&rdquo; the aide said, emphasizing Ukraine&rsquo;s urgent need for long-range precision weapons.
The prospect of a Putin&ndash;Trump summit has raised international attention. Analysts say it could either open a diplomatic channel or deepen the geopolitical divide depending on how Washington balances its commitment to Ukraine with efforts to ease tensions with Moscow.
With tensions at their highest in months, all eyes are now on Washington, where the outcome of the Trump&ndash;Zelensky meeting could shape the next phase of the conflict.

Putin to Trump: Russia open to Ukraine settlement

Trump–Putin call hints at Budapest summit as Zelensky heads to White House for key talks

Putin to Trump: Russia open to Ukraine settlement

Trump–Putin call hints at Budapest summit as Zelensky heads to White House for key talks

October 17, 2025 | 17:14 IST