• U.S. President Donald Trump said he held "very good" conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, signaling a potential thaw.
  • The calls come as the U.S. Congress debates a new aid package for Ukraine, with Trump's support seen as pivotal.
  • Details of the discussions remain sparse, but Trump hinted at possible diplomatic breakthroughs.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday described his recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as "very good," raising hopes of a de-escalation in the nearly year-long conflict. The calls, which took place over the past 48 hours, were confirmed by people familiar with the matter but not yet officially detailed by the White House.

"We had very good talks. Very productive," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, declining to elaborate further. He added that both leaders expressed a willingness to explore a path toward peace, though he acknowledged that "a lot of work remains."

The outreach comes at a critical juncture as the U.S. House of Representatives weighs a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine, a measure that has stalled amid partisan divisions. Trump's public support for negotiations could shift the political calculus, said analysts, though skepticism remains high given Putin's recent military escalation.

"It's positive that there's communication, but we need to see concrete actions," said a senior European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Without a deal, the situation on the ground will only deteriorate."

A spokesperson for Zelenskiy confirmed the call but declined to provide specifics, while the Kremlin did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly stressed that any peace talks must include a full withdrawal of Russian troops.

Trump's comments mark a notable shift from his previous reluctance to engage directly with Putin, whom he has criticized for the invasion. However, the president has also expressed frustration with the scale of U.S. aid to Ukraine, saying Europe should contribute more.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timing of the calls; they occurred over the past two days, not one.