INTRODUCTION
MOSCOW − On June 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a 50-minute conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump, during which he criticized Israel’s military actions against Iran.
The Kremlin reported that Putin articulated his deep concerns regarding the potential for escalating tensions, which could lead to unpredictable ramifications for the broader Middle Eastern landscape.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov conveyed to the media that Putin’s remarks highlighted the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing the need for caution to avoid further conflict in the region.
Trump characterized the situation in the Middle East as “very alarming,” as reported by Ushakov.
Despite this concern, both leaders expressed a willingness to potentially resume discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, according to Ushakov’s statements. In relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Putin conveyed to the U.S.
president that Russia is prepared to engage in further negotiations with Ukrainian representatives following June 22, as indicated by the state news agency RIA.
Trump expressed his desire for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict, as noted by a Kremlin aide.
In a separate but related gesture, President Putin took the opportunity to extend his congratulations to Trump on the occasion of his 79th birthday,
highlighting the personal and diplomatic ties that continue to exist between the two leaders despite the complexities of international relations.
