Trump holds separate calls with Putin and Zelenski on US Independence Day, ahead of NATO summit
On the 250th anniversary of US independence, President Donald Trump spoke by phone with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenski, with the war in Ukraine and next week's NATO summit in Ankara dominating the conversations.
Diplomatic flurry on Independence Day
On July 4, as the United States marked the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, President Donald Trump held separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski. The conversation with Putin lasted nearly 90 minutes, while Zelenski described his own call as "very fruitful." Both discussions centered on the war in Ukraine and the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, scheduled for July 7–8.
Kiev and its European supporters are betting on prolonging and even escalating the conflict, as well as acts of terrorism against the civilian population.
Putin's accusations and battlefield claims
The Kremlin readout, delivered by diplomatic adviser Yuri Ushakov, accused Ukraine and its European allies of operating under a "false perception of the situation on the front line." Russia's Foreign Ministry described the call as "working and extremely constructive," noting that Trump "reaffirmed his readiness to facilitate the fastest possible cessation of hostilities." Putin also claimed that Russian forces are "advancing confidently" in eastern Ukraine. On July 3, the Russian military asserted it had captured the town of Kostantinivka in the Donetsk region, a claim Kyiv firmly denied.
Zelenski's call for American resolve
In his own call with Trump, President Zelenski thanked the United States for its military and political support, from "Patriot missiles to political backing." He stressed that "there is a real prospect of ending this war, and American determination will be crucial." The two leaders agreed to continue their dialogue at the NATO summit in Ankara.
There is a real prospect of ending this war, and American determination will be crucial.
Summit in Ankara looms
The calls come just days before the NATO summit in Turkey, where heads of state from 32 countries are expected. Trump's participation is seen as a focal point for alliance unity and potential diplomatic progress on Ukraine. Ushakov also revealed that Putin invited Trump to visit Russia, and that US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner may travel to Moscow for further talks.
- Russia claims capture of Kostantinivka in Donetsk region; Ukraine denies.
- Trump speaks with Putin for about 90 minutes, then with Zelenski.
- NATO summit begins in Ankara, with Trump and Zelenski expected to continue talks.
