Trump holds phone calls with Putin and Zelensky, discusses war in Ukraine

US President Donald Trump held two significant phone calls on Saturday – one with Russian President Vladimir Putin and another with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The conversations took place against the backdrop of US Independence Day, with Putin congratulating Trump on the holiday.

The call with Putin, which, according to Russian sources, lasted 1 hour and 25 minutes, was initiated by Washington. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov described it as businesslike and constructive. Trump expressed readiness to help find peaceful solutions to end the war in Ukraine. Ushakov stated that Russia seeks a diplomatic resolution but will not back down from its demands. Putin briefed Trump on the “real situation on the battlefield,” claiming that Russian forces are advancing convincingly. It was also mentioned that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will continue their mediation efforts and are ready to visit Moscow again. Putin reminded Trump of his standing invitation to visit Russia.

In the call with Zelensky, the Ukrainian president thanked Americans for their support in the war against Russia. The two leaders discussed the frontline situation and diplomacy. Zelensky said there is a “real perspective to end this war” and that America’s determination will be decisive. They agreed to continue talks in person during the NATO summit in Ankara.