Putin and Zelensky hold separate calls with Trump on his 80th birthday, discussing paths to end the war

Birthday diplomacy on the line

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky both spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as Trump celebrated his 80th birthday. The calls came one day before the start of the G7 summit in Évian, France, where all three leaders are expected to continue their discussions. Putin's call with Trump lasted 55 minutes, according to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, who briefed reporters afterward. Ushakov described the conversation as "friendly and frank." Zelensky's separate call ran between 30 and 35 minutes, his communications adviser Dmytro Lytvyn told journalists.

The Putin call

Ushakov relayed that Trump emphasized the need to end hostilities in Ukraine and expressed his readiness to influence European allies and Kyiv toward that goal, including at the upcoming G7 summit. Trump also said that recent Ukrainian strikes on civilian targets in Russia complicate a settlement. Putin argued that attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure by Kyiv would not change Ukraine's battlefield position.

Trump has once again stressed the need to end military actions. He has expressed his readiness to influence his European partners and Kyiv, starting from the upcoming G7 summit.

Putin stated that if Zelensky wants a meeting with him, "let him come to Moscow," according to Ushakov. The Kremlin aide also noted Putin's positive assessment of First Lady Melania Trump's role in reuniting Russian and Ukrainian children with their families. Putin reportedly complimented Trump on his "fighter's qualities" and his ability to overcome obstacles.

The Zelensky call

Zelensky described his conversation with Trump as "wonderful" and "very good" in statements on social media. He thanked the US president for supporting Ukraine and wished him success in efforts to end the war. The Ukrainian leader informed Trump about improvements and consolidation of Ukraine's position along the eastern front line.

We have some good ideas that could help move toward peace and protect lives.

Zelensky recalled with gratitude every step of American military support, "from Javelin to Patriot" systems, and he and Trump agreed to discuss these matters more broadly during their meeting at the G7 summit.

G7 summit and envoy visits ahead

The G7 summit begins Monday in Évian-les-Bains, France. Trump is expected to meet with G7 leaders and also hold a separate meeting with Zelensky during the summit. Ushakov also confirmed that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Russia soon.

Iran agreement discussed

Beyond Ukraine, Trump and Putin discussed the status of a US-Iran memorandum of understanding. Trump told Putin that a US agreement with Tehran is close and that he hoped the results of the talks could be made public on Sunday. Putin expressed satisfaction that the US-Iran conflict, which could have inflamed the entire region, had been contained.

Donald Trump stated that a deal is close.

This marks the second phone call between Trump and Putin so far in 2026, following a previous conversation on April 29 initiated by Moscow.