Trump and Putin Discuss Iran War, Ukraine Peace, and Global Energy Crisis

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation on Monday to discuss the war involving Iran and prospects for peace in Ukraine. The discussion came just hours after Putin warned that the conflict in the Middle East could trigger a major global energy crisis.

Oil prices have surged sharply following what has been described as U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. A similar increase occurred in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine, but the current energy crisis is considered far more severe. The situation worsened after the Strait of Hormuz was reportedly closed, prompting Gulf countries to reduce oil production.

The Kremlin confirmed that Monday’s call was the first conversation between the two leaders this year. According to officials, President Trump initiated the call. Their discussion covered Russia’s proposal to quickly end the Iran conflict, the military situation in Ukraine, and Venezuela’s influence on the global oil market.

Speaking at a press conference at his golf club in Florida, Trump said, “I had a very good conversation with President Putin.” He added that Putin appeared willing to help resolve the issue surrounding Iran.

Trump also told reporters that he urged the Russian leader to prioritize ending the war in Ukraine. “I told him that if he can end the Russia-Ukraine war, that would be the real help,” Trump said.

Earlier, Putin warned that the Iran war could create a global energy crisis. Within hours of his statement, the two leaders spoke by phone. Putin cautioned that oil production dependent on the Strait of Hormuz could soon come to a complete halt.

Russia, the world’s second-largest oil exporter with vast natural gas reserves, is prepared to resume cooperation with European customers if they are willing to return to long-term partnerships, Putin said.

Amid instability in the global energy market, the Trump administration is considering easing sanctions on Russian oil. Three sources familiar with the plan said an announcement could come within the next few days.

The move is reportedly intended to offset major supply disruptions caused by the spreading conflict in the Middle East. However, it could complicate Washington’s efforts to cut off Russia’s revenue from the war in Ukraine.

Sources said discussions include the possibility of lifting broad sanctions or granting exemptions to certain countries, such as India, allowing them to purchase Russian oil without fear of U.S. penalties.

Trump told journalists that the administration may temporarily remove certain sanctions to bring oil prices down. “We have sanctions on some countries, but until the situation stabilizes, we may lift some of them,” he said.

He added that it is possible sanctions may not be needed in the future if peace is restored. Trump also suggested that the U.S. Navy and its allies could escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary.

Last week, the United States temporarily allowed India to purchase Russian crude oil already in transit by sea in order to ease supply shortages in the Middle East.

On Friday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington could exempt more Russian oil from sanctions. Meanwhile, Russia’s investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev stated on Saturday that he is discussing the matter with U.S. officials.

Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov described the conversation between Trump and Putin as “very meaningful” and said it would have “practical significance” for future cooperation between the two countries.

Ushakov also noted that Trump believes a ceasefire and long-term settlement would be in the United States’ interest and could bring the war in Ukraine to a rapid end.