Overview

• Vice President J.D. Vance said he has spoken with Vladimir Putin multiple times and described the Russian leader as cautious and "gentle in tone."
• Vance recounted that during a White House session with Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, President Trump decided to call Putin on the spot.
• According to Vance, several European representatives objected, urging adherence to diplomatic procedures, while Trump insisted on phoning immediately.
• Bild has reported that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz encouraged the call in connection with a child allegedly taken to Russia.
• Vance also said he admonished Zelensky as he entered the Oval Office, and separate reporting noted he was later heckled by members of the public in Washington.