- Kremlin confirms Putin-Trump call scheduled for Thursday, agenda undisclosed.
- Previous discussions focused on Ukraine conflict, prisoner swaps, and Iran-Israel tensions.
- Markets watch for potential signals on sanctions, energy prices amid diplomatic flurry.
Diplomatic Moves Under Scrutiny
Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump are set to speak by phone Thursday, according to officials from both countries. The call comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with Ukraine and Middle East stability likely topping the agenda. Neither side has disclosed specific talking points, but their June 14 discussion centered on prisoner exchanges and ceasefire prospects.
"These conversations matter because they happen outside formal channels," said one European diplomat familiar with the preparations, speaking on condition of anonymity. "But we've seen before that personal chemistry doesn't always translate to policy shifts."
Economic Undercurrents
While no direct market-moving announcements are expected, traders are monitoring for any signals that could affect energy supplies or sanctions enforcement. Russia remains a key supplier of oil and gas to global markets, and Trump has previously floated ideas about revising Western sanctions regimes. The rouble showed muted reaction to the news, trading flat against the dollar in Moscow.
What Comes Next?
The call follows Putin's recent discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron about potential Ukraine peace frameworks. Analysts suggest the Trump conversation could test waters for alternative negotiation tracks, though Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to characterize it as anything beyond "routine dialogue between major figures."
Attempts to reach Trump representatives for comment were unsuccessful. The White House declined to say whether it had been briefed on the planned discussion, citing policies against commenting on private citizens' communications.