Trump says Putin ‘will respond' to Ukraine airfield attacks

Herald Sun

2 days ago

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Donald Trump has said he held a phone call with Vladimir Putin he told him 'very strongly' that Russia would have to respond to Ukraine's audacious attack on some if its most important bomber bases.
'It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace,' said the US president on Wednesday, US time.
While Russia has continued to bomb Ukraine since Sunday's 'Operation Spider Web' attacks, it will raise fears a more forceful response could be imminent.
No indication was given by Mr Trump of when a response could come or what form it night take.
Various commentators within Russia have said that the destruction of a number of long range bombers that can carry nuclear weapons is grounds for using nuclear weapons on Ukraine. However, nuclear sabre rattling is common after major Ukrainian attacks.
Russia could ratchet up its conventional attacks with more missiles and drones. Ukraine's air defences are already stretched.
US President Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, US time.
President Trump said the call with Putin lasted around one hour and 15 minutes.
'We discussed the attack on Russia's docked aeroplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides,' Mr Trump write on social media.
'It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace.
'President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields.'
Ukraine and Russia have now held two recent rounds of peace talks which have led to the exchange of prisoners. But the two remain far apart when it comes to grounds for compromise.
Donald Trump previously said he had given Putin a two week deadline to get to a meaningful point to stopping the conflict. But no mention of that deadline, which is not yet up, was made.
This handout satellite picture courtesy of Maxar Technologies taken on June 4, 2025 shows destroyed Tupolev Tu-95 aircraft at Belaya Airbase near Usolye-Sibirs
Mr Trump also sold the two discussed Iran where the US is trying to stop Tehran from building a nuclear weapon.
'Time is running out on Iran's decision pertaining to nuclear weapons, which must be made quickly!' he wrote.
'I stated to President Putin that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and, on this, I believe that we were in agreement.
'President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion.'
Mr Trump said in his opinion, 'Iran has been slow walking their decision on this very important matter'.
'We will need a definitive answer in a very short period of time!'
Many have said that Russia has also been slow walking Ukraine peace talks with Moscow refusing to sign up to a 30 day ceasefire.
Originally published as Trump says Putin 'will respond' to Ukraine airfield attacks