In a significant development in global diplomacy, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 90-minute phone conversation on April 29, focusing on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War and escalating tensions involving Iran.According to official statements, the conversation was described as “frank and businesslike,” reflecting both cooperation and continuing disagreements on major geopolitical issues. Trump later termed the discussion “very good,” hinting at cautious optimism.
US President Donald Trump accused India and China of financing Russia’s war in Ukraine, a charge that he made on September 23, 2025, when addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have again escalated as Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery inside Russian territory. The attack was carried out late at night. It targeted a facility that plays an important role in processing crude oil and producing fuel for the Russian economy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Monday that addressing NATO’s eastward expansion is vital for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine. His comments came after discussions with China’s Xi Jinping and India’s Narendra Modi during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tianjin.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where he pressed for speeding up efforts toward a ceasefire in Ukraine.
The security assurances for Ukraine, with Germany joining, are a big step forward that have been interpreted as a promise and a responsibility by many. For Kyiv, the importance of this assurance is not limited to politics but encompasses the existential and future hope regarding self-defence against further Russian aggression.
The United States and India are encountering a fresh tension in their relationship. Days before a significant increase in tariffs on Indian products goes into effect, US Vice President JD Vance has justified Washington’s choice, stating it aligns with President Donald Trump’s plan to pressure Russia to conclude its conflict in Ukraine.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly defended India’s energy policy during his visit to Moscow on Thursday (August 21, 2025), saying New Delhi was only following advice given by the United States itself.
