### Trump and Putin's Recent Conversation Sparks Controversy

In a notable conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump's remarks have stirred substantial debate. Following a recent Ukrainian drone attack on Russian airfields, Trump appeared to signal support for Russian retaliation, a position that has been perceived in Russia as a tacit endorsement of Moscow’s right to respond. This stance contrasts with Trump’s previous statements condemning Russian attacks on civilians, leading to claims that Putin has once again influenced Trump's perspective on the Ukraine conflict.

Trump described the call as a “good conversation,” but acknowledged it was not one that would lead to immediate peace. He conveyed that Putin felt compelled to respond to Sunday's drone strike, indicating an understanding of Russia's position. However, Trump also drew an analogy, characterizing the conflict as a fight between children who sometimes need to be left to resolve their disputes on their own.

This latest interaction between Trump and Putin has intensified the ongoing struggle for Trump’s support between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Sergei Markov, a political analyst supportive of the Kremlin, contends that Trump is leaning towards blaming Zelensky for escalating the conflict. Markov also suggested that Trump's call to Putin underscored the U.S. distancing itself from Ukraine's recent actions.

Further complicating international dynamics, Putin is reportedly planning a trip to Tehran, underlining the strengthening ties between Russia and Iran. This development follows a declaration from Trump thanking Putin for aiding in the negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, which some experts interpret as a trade-off between the Ukraine crisis and advancements in dealing with Iran.

The Kremlin has expressed expectations of a strong condemnation from the White House over Ukrainian assaults, labeling them as terrorist acts. Meanwhile, Zelensky has advocated for increased Western pressure on Russia, criticizing the perceived impunity with which Putin operates and warning against further delays in diplomacy.

The potential scale and form of Russia’s retaliation remain uncertain, with experts cautioning that any significant civilian casualties could complicate diplomatic efforts and affect Trump's stance. Maintaining Trump's goodwill is a careful balancing act for Putin, as any severe response risks alienating the U.S. President.

As the conflict continues, Trump's efforts to broker peace appear stalled. Despite threats of harsher actions against Russia, Trump has yet to act decisively, reflecting the complexity and high stakes involved in managing U.S.-Russia relations during this tense period.