A recent phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reinforced Moscow’s belief that the U.S. and Russia should decide Ukraine’s fate.

Axar.az, citing NYT, reports that the call, which took place before Trump contacted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The call signaled a potential shift in U.S. policy, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership. Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, seen as sympathetic to Russia, was confirmed as Director of National Intelligence.

Russian officials celebrated the call, seeing it as an end to the West’s attempts to isolate Russia. Markets reacted positively, with Russia’s stock index rising and the ruble strengthening. However, some Russian war supporters worried that negotiations could undermine their battlefield efforts.

Putin aims for a broader deal beyond Ukraine, seeking NATO’s retreat and a sphere of influence in Europe, but European leaders insist on including Ukraine in any talks. With Ukraine’s war effort heavily reliant on U.S. aid, Putin appears confident that Trump could cut off support, leading to a swift Ukrainian collapse. However, Russia faces challenges of its own, including high battlefield casualties and economic strains.