Putin rejects peace talks with Ukraine in call with Trump — Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the idea of resuming peace talks and reaffirmed his determination to continue the conflict in Ukraine during a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on October 9, according to a statement from a Kremlin aide. Putin made it clear that Moscow would persist in the military operations until all its objectives are met.

Trump reportedly warmly congratulated Putin on his birthday, conveyed well wishes, and forwarded greetings from the First Lady. The Russian leader reiterated that the aggressor state's stance on the war remains unchanged. He also accused Ukraine of attempting to interfere with Russia's elections. Additionally, Putin disseminated propaganda claims about the ineffectiveness of Ukrainian resistance, stating that Russian forces maintain the strategic initiative and are progressing in the frontline.

In response to the call, Trump ordered that information obtained from Russia be relayed to Ukraine. Following the discussion, the president allegedly instructed his administration to pass along any signals received from Moscow to Ukraine. On October 9, the Kyiv Independent reported that Russia is demanding the United States lift sanctions in exchange for a potential energy ceasefire with Ukraine.

Moscow may also seek to unfreeze its frozen assets. Later, in a phone conversation with Putin, Trump agreed to supply hundreds of thousands of metric tons of Russian diesel fuel to American and global markets, aiming to alleviate prices. The U.S. Treasury Department subsequently issued a license enabling the sale, delivery, unloading, and import of Russian-origin diesel fuel until April 7, 2027.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the U.S. decision as weak, especially when Ukraine's negotiating team is present in the United States.