WASHINGTON.D.C. June 04 – Russian President Vladimir Putin warned he “will have to respond” to Ukraine’s unprecedented drone strikes on Russian airbases, according to U.S. President Donald Trump. The disclosure came after an hour-long phone call between the leaders on Wednesday – their first contact since Ukraine targeted nuclear-capable bomber bases deep inside Russia on June 1.
“President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields,” Trump stated in a social media post. He cautioned that the conversation would not yield “immediate peace” between the warring nations.
The Kremlin separately claimed Putin accused Kyiv of attempting to “disrupt” negotiations and alleged Ukraine’s government had “essentially turned into a terrorist organisation,” according to Russia’s state-owned RIA Novosti. Both leaders reportedly discussed restoring bilateral cooperation, which the agency described as having “enormous potential.”
Trump confirmed the two also addressed Iran, suggesting Putin offered assistance in nuclear talks. The White House declined to comment when approached.
Notably, the Kremlin asserted Trump denied prior U.S. knowledge of Ukraine’s cross-border drone operation. The call follows Trump’s ultimatum last week giving Putin a two-week deadline to demonstrate genuine engagement in peace efforts, threatening “changes to how the U.S. is approaching this conflict.”
