Putin, Zelensky speak to Trump ahead of NATO summit

U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and other matters ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara. The Kremlin and Zelensky's office confirmed the calls, stating they were also made to commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States.

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The presidents naturally addressed the issue of a settlement in Ukraine, taking into account, in particular, Donald Trump’s upcoming participation in the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7 and 8.

According to Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy aide to the Kremlin, the discussions naturally included the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, particularly in light of Trump's upcoming participation in the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7-8. Ushakov also noted that the 85-minute call with Putin covered issues such as Iran and the Middle East.

President Zelensky described his call with Trump as "very good," stating that they discussed the current frontline situation and diplomatic efforts. He expressed optimism about ending the war, emphasizing the decisive role of American resolve. Zelensky added that they agreed to continue these discussions during the NATO Summit in Ankara.

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President Trump and I discussed the current situation on the frontline as well as our diplomatic efforts. There is a real prospect to put an end to this war, and America’s resolve is decisive. We have agreed to continue these discussions during the NATO Summit in Ankara.

Putin, as reported by RIA Novosti, "outlined the actual situation on the battlefield (in Ukraine), where Russian armed forces are advancing confidently." However, recent reports indicate that Russian forces have made minimal progress on the front lines due to the effectiveness of drones, which impede heavy vehicle movement and cause significant losses. Diplomatic negotiations remain stalled, with Moscow's demand for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the entire Donetsk region being a non-starter for Kyiv.

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outlined the actual situation on the battlefield (in Ukraine), where Russian armed forces are advancing confidently.