Trump holds separate calls with Putin and Zelenskyy on US Independence Day, vows to seek Ukraine peace at NATO summit

Dual calls on Independence Day

On the 250th anniversary of US independence, President Donald Trump held separate telephone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both leaders offered congratulations, but the discussions quickly turned to the war in Ukraine. The calls come just days before the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7–8, where Trump is expected to raise the issue.

Kremlin's account: 85 minutes with Putin

According to Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy adviser, the call with Trump lasted 85 minutes. Putin described the situation on the front, while Trump again declared his readiness to help end the war. Ushakov noted that the US side proposed the call on Independence Day, contrasting with the previous contact on June 14, which Russia initiated for Trump's 80th birthday.

The telephone conversation began with President Vladimir Putin personally congratulating Donald Trump and all Americans on this significant holiday, reminding him of Russia's contribution to the formation of American statehood.

The Kremlin said Trump assured he would raise the matter at the NATO summit. Putin also reiterated his standing invitation for Trump to visit Russia. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will continue negotiations and are ready for another trip to Moscow.

Zelenskyy sees 'real chance' to end war

Zelenskyy described his call with Trump as "very fruitful." He expressed gratitude for US military aid, including Javelin anti-tank missiles and Patriot air defense systems, and stressed that American determination is decisive.

There is a real chance to end this war, and America's determination is decisive. We agreed to continue these talks during the NATO summit in Ankara.

The Ukrainian leader said the two presidents discussed the front-line situation and diplomatic efforts. He will meet Trump at the summit, which takes place at the Beştepe presidential complex in Ankara.

Contradictory battlefield claims

The calls occurred amid conflicting reports from the battlefield. On Friday, Russia claimed its forces had captured the strategically located town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region and fully controlled Luhansk region. By Saturday, Zelenskyy and Ukraine's General Staff denied those claims. The Kremlin, meanwhile, maintained its narrative that Russian forces are steadily advancing, "liberating one settlement after another," while accusing Kyiv and its European sponsors of prolonging the conflict.

Next steps

The NATO summit on July 7–8 will be the next venue for direct talks between Trump and Zelenskyy. Trump is expected to press allies on the Ukraine war and defense spending. The US envoys' continued shuttle diplomacy signals that Washington is keeping multiple channels open.