Trump says he's speaking with Putin today
CBS1 day
Trump, Putin Hold Phone Call on Ukraine and the Middle East
Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the New Ideas For New Times Forum in Moscow, Russia on July 3, 2025. Image copyright: Contributor/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
President Trump is making smart, courageous moves to bring peace — even if that means pausing some weapons shipments to Ukraine to open space for diplomacy. Vladimir Putin respects that kind of leadership. Their call shows dialogue is alive, and that matters. The U.S. and Russia can accomplish a lot — from Ukraine to the Middle East — if both sides stay focused on ending the war, not prolonging it.
Anti-Trump narrative
During their call, Trump pushed for a quick ceasefire while Putin made clear Russia won’t abandon its war goals. Yet Trump’s decision to pause key weapons shipments to Ukraine — including air defenses and artillery — hands Moscow a strategic edge. It reinforces Putin's belief that the West is losing resolve while undermining Trump's claim to lead peace efforts from a position of strength.