Former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed he spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in a phone call that touched on Ukraine’s recent drone attacks and nuclear tensions with Iran. The conversation, which lasted over an hour, comes just days after Ukrainian forces struck deep inside Russian territory, targeting airbases that house nuclear-capable bombers.

Trump described the exchange as a “good conversation” but warned it wouldn’t bring “immediate peace.” In a post on his Truth Social platform, he said Putin told him “very strongly” that Russia “will have to respond” to the Ukrainian strikes a clear signal that escalation could be coming. The call marks the first known contact between the two leaders since Ukraine’s bold attack on June 1, which damaged strategic Russian airfields.

The discussion also turned to Iran, with Putin reportedly offering to assist in nuclear negotiations. This suggestion comes as Tehran continues advancing its uranium enrichment program, raising global concerns. However, Trump did not elaborate on whether Putin’s offer would be pursued.

The call follows a series of sharp criticisms Trump has recently directed at Putin. Just last week, the former president accused the Russian leader of going “absolutely crazy” and “playing with fire” as Moscow intensified missile and drone attacks across Ukraine. At the time, Trump even set a vague two-week deadline, threatening to change his approach if he felt Putin was stringing him along on peace efforts. But in his latest post, Trump made no mention of this ultimatum, leaving it unclear whether his stance has softened.

The timing of the conversation is significant. Ukraine’s recent long-range drone strikes represent one of its most daring operations yet, demonstrating Kyiv’s growing ability to hit strategic Russian military sites. Analysts say Putin’s vow to retaliate could mean even heavier bombardments on Ukrainian cities or energy infrastructure in the coming days.

Trump’s decision to publicize the call also raises questions about his role in foreign policy as he campaigns to return to the White House. While he has positioned himself as a potential peacemaker in the Ukraine war, his critics argue that private talks with Putin without coordination with current U.S. officials could undermine diplomatic efforts.

The Biden administration has not yet commented on Trump’s discussion with Putin. However, the call highlights the delicate balance in U.S.-Russia relations, especially as the war in Ukraine shows no signs of ending. With Trump signaling that Putin plans retaliation and Iran’s nuclear ambitions still looming, the world is left waiting to see what happens next and whether these backchannel talks will lead to anything beyond more threats.

For now, one thing is certain: the Ukraine conflict remains as volatile as ever, and with influential figures like Trump engaging directly with Putin, the geopolitical chessboard keeps shifting in unpredictable ways.