Putin halts event to take Trump’s call, Internet says ‘when the king calls, you answer’

MOSCOW, RUSSIA: In a moment that blended diplomacy with drama, Russian President Vladimir Putin paused a high-profile strategy forum in Moscow to take a scheduled phone call with President Donald Trump.

His lighthearted remark, “It’s so awkward to make Trump wait, he could get offended”, prompted laughter and applause from the audience.

Despite the theatrics, the call yielded no meaningful progress on the Ukraine conflict, as Russian airstrikes persisted and diplomatic channels remained tense. It marked their sixth publicly acknowledged conversation since Trump’s return to the White House in January, and the fourth in just six weeks.

Vladimir Putin halts Russian forum mid-panel, says it’s 'awkward to make Donald Trump wait' before taking call

During the “Strong Ideas for a New Time” forum, hosted by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, President Vladimir Putin paused a panel session to inform attendees that he needed to take an urgent call from President Trump.

Apologizing to the host and the audience, he said, “Please, don’t be angry, but it’s so awkward to make Trump wait, he could get offended.”

The session was part of a broader initiative to promote innovation and long-term development in Russia, but Putin’s sudden departure made headlines worldwide—highlighting the priority the Kremlin places on its dialogue with Washington.

Vladimir Putin- Donald Trump call yields no progress on Ukraine ceasefire

The nearly hour-long call focused heavily on the war in Ukraine but ended without any movement toward a ceasefire. Speaking to reporters afterward, Trump admitted candidly, “I didn’t make any progress with him at all.”

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, President Putin reiterated Russia’s commitment to addressing what it views as the “root causes” of the conflict—namely, NATO’s eastward expansion and perceived security threats near its borders.

Moscow once again declined to support an immediate truce, signaling no intention of stepping back from its current military objectives. “Russia will not back down from these goals,” Ushakov emphasized, though he noted that Moscow remains open to “political dialogue with Kyiv.”

The conversation also touched on rising tensions in the Middle East, Iran, and broader US-Russia relations. Both leaders reportedly discussed strengthening trade ties and launching a cultural exchange initiative centered on traditional values through film.

Putin congratulated Trump in advance of US Independence Day and expressed hope for the success of his new economic initiatives. However, there was no discussion of the US pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine, a move closely monitored by Kyiv and its allies. A potential face-to-face meeting between the two leaders was also left “up in the air.”

Putin additionally raised the topic of agreements on prisoner exchanges and the return of fallen soldiers, suggesting that diplomatic backchannels with Ukraine remain at least partially active. 

Donald Trump supporters cheer Vladimir Putin's call as proof of US strength and respect

While the call between Putin and Trump ended without a major breakthrough on Ukraine, supporters of the US President took to X (formerly Twitter) to applaud what they viewed as a strong display of leadership and a sign of renewed global respect.

One user declared, “Trump is the Greatest! End the war in Ukraine! Dictator Zelensky is destroying Ukraine.”

Another wrote, “I love it! Daddy’s home! Sanity has been restored.”

Others celebrated what they saw as a restored global respect for the US under Trump, posting, “Because when America speaks, the world listens… Again,”

One user wrote, “America is once again respected by world leaders!! That’s the Trump effect,” while another added, “President Trump has the power!”

Supporters also took jabs at previous administrations, with comments like, “Respect gained is respect earned. Biden didn’t get it,” and “Trump certainly has world leaders paying attention. Good, because they've run roughshod over previous Presidents like Biden.”

Another posted, "Respect for the best President of the USA."

Summing up the tone, one user simply said: “When the King calls, you answer.”

Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin reaffirm positions in ‘warm’ call as Ukraine conflict grinds on

Despite the cordial tone and moments of levity, the Trump–Putin call ended with both leaders firmly holding their established positions. Just hours later, a Russian drone strike reportedly ignited a residential area in Kyiv, underscoring the ongoing intensity of the conflict.

Kremlin officials described the tone of the call as “warm,” with aides noting that the two presidents appeared “on the same page” about maintaining open dialogue.

Although the military situation remained unchanged, Russian commentators praised the exchange as a sign of Trump’s renewed commitment to international diplomacy.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.