Putin-Trump Call Sparks Russian Confidence in Ukraine Victory Amid Final Offensive Plans

Following a phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, Russian citizens express renewed hope for a decisive victory in Ukraine. As peace talks remain vague, Moscow prepares for a summer offensive while skepticism surrounds Trump’s role in negotiations.

Moscow, Russia — Just one day after a high-profile phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, many Russians are expressing renewed optimism that a final victory in the Ukraine conflict is near.

In the fourth spring of a war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, recent diplomatic developments have raised hopes — at least in Moscow — that the tide is turning. During the call, Putin brushed off Western demands for an immediate ceasefire, while Trump described the conversation’s tone as “excellent.”

Currently, Russia controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory and continues to maintain the upper hand on the battlefield.

“I support our country. I love it deeply, and I just want Vladimir Vladimirovich (Putin) to get justice,” said Anastasia, a 40-year-old homemaker from the Moscow suburbs. Reflecting common state rhetoric, she added, “Let’s resolve this now. I don’t want my children to inherit this problem.”

Despite her patriotism, Anastasia remained skeptical about Trump, calling him “just a businessman who only wants money” and voicing fears that Western powers — referred to as “the Anglo-Saxons” — would deceive Russia.

Putin’s Uncompromising Demands

Putin has not softened his demands for ending the war, seeking what amounts to Ukraine’s near-total capitulation. Talks held in Istanbul last week revealed Russia’s insistence that Ukraine give up remaining control over parts of its east and south, abandon its NATO ambitions, and for Western nations to halt military support.

Additionally, Moscow reiterated its call for the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Although Putin reportedly floated a vague “memorandum” during the Trump call as the basis for a peace deal, the exact contents remain unclear. Trump suggested that peace talks would begin quickly — but no formal timeline or terms have been announced.

Public Reactions: Hope, Skepticism, and Uncertainty

In Moscow, reactions to the Trump-Putin call were mixed. While some citizens expressed hope, others were left feeling uncertain.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty,” said Sofiya, a 72-year-old pensioner. “It’s not just about our families anymore; it’s about our country.”

Like many others, she found the Istanbul talks inconclusive. “I just want peace,” she added, a sentiment echoed by many weary of the prolonged conflict.

Russia Prepares for Summer Offensive

Military analysts believe that Putin is preparing for a new ground offensive this summer. Russian political analyst Konstantin Kalachev said the Trump call was a “tactical victory” for Putin, allowing him time to push Ukrainian forces further back.

“There will be no peace until Russia has tried a final offensive,” Kalachev stated.

Russian state television has amplified the narrative, with presenters warning that if Ukraine does not withdraw from the four regions Moscow claims to have annexed — Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia — Russia may seize even more land.

“If these four regions are not recognized soon, next time it will be six,” warned Russian broadcaster Yevgeny Popov.

Chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky even referenced Russia’s 21-year war with Sweden in the 18th century, suggesting the Kremlin is prepared for a long-term conflict.

No Other Way: The View from the Ground

Support for continued fighting remains strong among some Russians, despite mounting casualties.

“I believe Odesa, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and even Kyiv should be ours,” said Marina, a 70-year-old pensioner. None of these cities are currently under Russian control, nor have they been formally claimed by Moscow.

She acknowledged the human cost of the conflict but remained resolute: “It’s a great tragedy that our people are also dying — but there’s no other way.”

Zelensky and the Western Response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Russia’s intentions as insincere, accusing the Kremlin of using diplomacy to “buy time” for continued military aggression.

Meanwhile, the United States and its allies have voiced skepticism toward the Putin-Trump call, with many Western analysts viewing it as a public relations move rather than a genuine peace initiative.

With no concrete peace deal in sight and preparations for a new offensive underway, the war shows no sign of ending soon. As military censorship in Russia intensifies, and both sides harden their stances, hopes for a peaceful resolution remain distant.