Putin speaks by phone with Trump; Russia claims advances in eastern Ukraine despite Kyiv

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Putin asserted Russia's intention to capture the entire Donbas region, according to Russian presidential advisor Yuri Ushakov. Ushakov stated that despite Ukrainian resistance, the Russian army would inevitably take control of remaining strongholds.

The call, made at the White House's request, coincided with the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence Day. Ushakov claimed Putin informed Trump that Kyiv and the European Union held a false perception of the front-line situation, asserting that Russian forces were advancing steadily and liberating towns. He added that Kyiv and its European backers were prolonging and escalating the conflict through alleged terrorist methods against civilians.

Putin reiterated Russia's preference for a political and diplomatic resolution that considers Moscow's core principles. Ushakov described the 85-minute call as "not only protocol but substantial and extremely constructive," enabling open discussion on bilateral and international agendas. The leaders also addressed Moscow-Washington relations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining contacts across political-military and economic spheres, and highlighting potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a face-to-face meeting with Putin, though the Russian leader has rejected a ceasefire, preferring to focus on ending the war. Reports indicate that Russian forces have made advances in eastern Ukraine, with the Kremlin announcing control over Konstantinovka, a key Ukrainian stronghold in the Donetsk region.