Trump signals economic partnership with Russia if Ukraine war ends

September 8, 2026 at 08:40 PM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

U.S. President Donald Trump told Russian President Vladimir Putin that ending the war in Ukraine would open the way to full restoration of bilateral ties and large-scale economic partnership. The two leaders discussed the prospect during a phone call, according to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov. The call followed visits to Moscow and Kyiv by U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on September 5-6.

Key Facts

Trump and Putin discussed large-scale economic partnership during a phone call, according to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.
Trump said an end to the war in Ukraine would open the way to full restoration of bilateral relations.
U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv on September 5-6.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the U.S. is studying de-escalation options for the winter period.

Phone Call Details

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed prospects for large-scale economic partnership in a phone call. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Trump made clear that a swift end to hostilities would open the path to full restoration of bilateral relations. The conversation focused on trade and economic cooperation, with Trump assessing that normalization would bring enormous benefits to both countries.

Diplomatic Context

The call followed working visits to Moscow and Kyiv by U.S. special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on September 5-6. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the U.S. is actively studying de-escalation options for the winter period. Zelensky said Washington conveyed information about Russia's readiness for negotiations and is considering pressure on Moscow to accelerate dialogue.