Putin will ‘respond' to surprise Ukraine drone strikes, Trump says
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the recent Ukrainian drone attack that destroyed more than 40 Russian aircrafts and the Russian leader said he will respond to Ukraine's drone strikes.
It remains unclear exactly how Russia would respond.
In a post to Truth Social, Trump said his phone call with Putin lasted about one hour and 15 minutes. In addition to the most recent Ukrainian attack, Trump said, the two also discussed 'various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides,' as well as Iran and a general understanding that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. The post was later deleted.
'It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace,' Trump wrote. 'President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields.'
According to Ukrainian officials, Sunday's attack on Russia took 18 months to plan. More than 100 aerial drones were smuggled into Russia — including Siberia. The drones were then placed around the perimeter of four Russian air bases. Nearly one third of the Russian bomber fleet was destroyed, according to the Associated Press.
The attack came one day before the two nations were scheduled for another round of peace talks.
On Iran, Trump said Putin could possibly be involved in ongoing talks.
'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,' Trump said. 'It is my opinion that Iran has been slow walking their decision on this very important matter, and we will need a definitive answer in a very short period of time!'
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