President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he had a lengthy and serious phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the escalating conflict in Ukraine—and the potential fallout from an audacious Ukrainian drone attack that struck deep inside Russian territory.

The 75-minute call, according to Trump’s post on Truth Social, included warnings from Putin that Russia “will have to respond” to the recent attack, which reportedly damaged or disabled dozens of Russian bombers.

“It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace,” Trump wrote. He said Putin “very strongly” communicated that retaliation for the strike on Russian airfields is imminent.

The Ukrainian assault was remarkable in both scale and execution. More than 100 drones—reportedly launched from concealed trailers—were used in the operation. Ukrainian sources claimed they successfully disabled or destroyed over 40 Russian bombers used in airstrikes against cities in Ukraine. Russian officials disputed the number, acknowledging some damage but calling the reported figure an exaggeration.

If Ukraine’s claims are accurate, the financial damage to Russia could be in the billions—some estimates place the losses around $7 billion, making it one of the most costly attacks on Russian infrastructure in the war so far.

Trump’s conversation with Putin didn’t stop at Ukraine. The president also revealed that Putin volunteered to participate in ongoing U.S. negotiations with Iran.

“President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion,” Trump said, referring to Iran’s ongoing nuclear posture and its regional provocations. “It is my opinion that Iran has been slowwalking their decision on this very important matter, and we will need a definitive answer in a very short period of time!”

Putin’s sudden offer to insert himself into U.S.-Iran diplomacy could be seen as a power play to reassert Russia’s global clout or a bargaining chip amid the Ukraine conflict.

Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Trump from former allies and congressional hawks. Former Vice President Mike Pence issued a sharp call for action, saying, “Putin doesn’t want peace. Putin wants Ukraine.” Pence demanded immediate sanctions on Moscow and greater military support for Kyiv, insisting, “Only American strength will bring Putin to the table.”

Trump, who has vacillated between praising Putin as a strategic operator and condemning his actions as “crazy,” previously criticized the Russian president for ordering bombing campaigns against civilians in Ukraine. “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump wrote last month.

As both Russia and Ukraine prepare for what may be a pivotal stage in the war, Trump appears determined to play a central role—but he made it clear that the path to peace remains uncertain. Whether Putin’s promised “response” will escalate the conflict or become a bargaining chip in broader negotiations remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the world is watching, and so is the White House.