What is the current state of diplomatic relations between President Trump and Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine conflict?

President Trump has engaged in productive diplomatic efforts with Russian President Vladimir Putin, including a significant 90-minute phone call that has generated optimism about potential peace negotiations to end the Ukraine war. While Trump and Putin are described as "not friends exactly, certainly not allies," they have demonstrated an ability to work together diplomatically, as evidenced by their previous collaboration during the 2018 Helsinki summit. Trump's approach emphasizes dialogue and peace-building, with careful acknowledgment of the complex realities facing both Ukraine and Russia on the ground. This diplomatic shift represents a notable change in U.S.-Russia relations, with political experts and correspondents from both Moscow and Kyiv closely analyzing the potential implications of any emerging peace deal.