Trump speaks with Putin, Zelenskyy, offers to mediate Russia-Ukraine conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, offering to mediate an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict ahead of a NATO summit. The Kremlin reported that Trump and Putin spoke for nearly 90 minutes on July 4th, with Trump reiterating his readiness to promote a swift ceasefire and seek solutions to the crisis. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the conversation as "pragmatic and quite constructive," noting Trump's mediation offer is linked to his upcoming attendance at the NATO summit in Turkey. Ushakov stated that Russia reiterated its stance on seeking a diplomatic resolution, emphasizing that any solution must consider Russia's core principles. He also accused Kyiv and its European allies of attempting to expand or escalate the conflict, alleging long-range airstrikes on Russian energy facilities that caused fuel shortages. Putin reportedly briefed Trump on the "real situation" on the battlefield, claiming Russian forces were confidently advancing and capturing positions. However, Ukrainian officials, including the General Staff, refuted recent Russian claims of capturing the strategic town of Kostiantynivka in eastern Donetsk, asserting that Ukrainian forces maintain firm control. Zelenskyy confirmed his call with Trump, stating Ukraine rejects Russia's territorial demands.

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pragmatic and quite constructive