Zelenskyy, Putin speak with Trump amid Ukraine conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in separate phone calls with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the ongoing conflict and international relations.

Zelenskyy congratulated Trump on the 250th anniversary of American Independence Day, describing their conversation as "very good." He conveyed gratitude for U.S. assistance, including Javelin missiles and Patriot air defense systems, and emphasized the value of American support in Ukraine's defense. The leaders also discussed the situation on the Ukrainian front lines, with Zelenskyy noting a "real possibility" to end the war contingent on American commitment. They agreed to continue discussions in person at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.

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We have had a very good phone call. We are grateful to the United States for all the assistance we have received – from Javelins and Patriots to political support – and we deeply value that America supports us in defending our independence.

Notably, the White House did not issue a statement regarding Zelenskyy's call with Trump, which deviated from usual practice. Meanwhile, the Kremlin reported that Putin also spoke with Trump, extending congratulations for Independence Day. Putin's foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, characterized the call as "constructive," mentioning that discussions covered the war in Ukraine and the U.S. conflict with Iran.

During his conversation with Trump, Putin claimed that Russian forces had captured Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region. However, Kyiv has denied that the strategically important town has fallen under Russian control. The differing accounts highlight the ongoing information war surrounding the conflict.

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There is a real possibility to end this war, and America's commitment will be crucial. We agreed to continue discussions in person at the NATO summit in Ankara.