President Trump is on the phone with Vladimir Putin right now.
Trump posted on Truth Social Thursday morning at 11:21 a.m. ET saying the conversation with Russia's president is "ongoing" and "lengthy."
"I will report the contents, as will President Putin, at its conclusion," Trump wrote.
The timing is notable. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on Friday. Ukraine is pushing for more U.S. military support in its war against Russia.
Earlier this week, Trump floated the idea of sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. That would represent a significant escalation in U.S. weapons support.
This call is happening at a critical moment.
Ukraine needs more weapons and support to fight Russia. Zelenskyy is coming to Washington to make that case directly to Trump.
But Trump is talking to Putin first.
The sequence matters: • Trump considers sending advanced missiles to Ukraine • Trump talks to Putin • Trump meets with Zelenskyy the next day
Trump has said he wants to pressure Russia into ending the war. Threatening to send sophisticated long-range missiles like Tomahawks could be part of that strategy.
Tomahawk missiles are cruise missiles with ranges up to 1,000 miles. They're highly accurate and difficult to intercept. Ukraine currently doesn't have weapons with that kind of reach and precision.
If the U.S. actually sends them, it would give Ukraine the ability to strike deep inside Russian territory. That's a big deal - and likely why Trump is discussing it with Putin directly.
We don't know what Trump and Putin are discussing yet. Both leaders said they'll share details after the call ends.
But the timing tells a story. Trump is negotiating with both sides before making decisions about further U.S. support for Ukraine.
For markets, uncertainty around the Ukraine war has been a persistent concern. Any signs of de-escalation could boost investor sentiment. But escalation through advanced weapons transfers could rattle markets.
The call also shows Trump's approach: direct engagement with Putin rather than working primarily through intermediaries or allies.
We'll know more once Trump and Putin release details about what was discussed. Until then, all eyes are on what comes out of this "lengthy" conversation - and what it means for Friday's meeting with Zelenskyy.
