President Donald Trump spoke for nearly an hour with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, according to a Kremlin official cited by NBC News. The conversation focused in part on the ongoing war in Ukraine, just days after the United States announced a pause in weapons shipments to Kyiv.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Kremlin stated that Trump proposed an \u201cimmediate ceasefire\u201d<\/strong> between Russia and Ukraine. In response, Putin emphasized Russia\u2019s intent to pursue a \u201cpolitical resolution through negotiations\u201d<\/strong> but made clear that the Kremlin would not abandon its stated military objectives. These include addressing what Russia claims are the \u201croot causes\u201d of the conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The U.S. decision to suspend arms deliveries came after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a stockpile review. According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, the pause is part of a broader strategy to preserve U.S. military readiness<\/strong> while supporting Trump\u2019s \u201cAmerica First\u201d<\/strong> defense priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The freeze on munitions shipments has sparked criticism among some former Trump administration officials. Mike Pompeo<\/strong>, Trump\u2019s former Secretary of State, posted on X: \u201cLetting Russia win this war would be an unmitigated disaster for the American people and our security around the world.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nConcerns over U.S. commitment to Ukraine aid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n