Trump speaks with Putin and Zelensky ahead of NATO summit, as allies pledge €140bn for Ukraine
Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, Donald Trump held separate phone calls with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky on July 4, discussing the war in Ukraine and the path to a settlement.
Diplomatic flurry on Independence Day
On the 250th anniversary of US independence, President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin for 1 hour and 25 minutes, the Kremlin announced. The two leaders discussed a settlement in Ukraine, with an eye toward Trump's upcoming participation in the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7–8. Kremlin diplomatic advisor Yuri Ushakov said the call also covered Iran and the Middle East.
The presidents naturally discussed the issue of a settlement in Ukraine, taking into account in particular Donald Trump's upcoming participation in the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7 and 8.
Later that day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke with Trump. Zelensky described the conversation as covering the front-line situation and diplomatic efforts, and he stressed America's decisive role.
President Trump and I discussed the current situation on the front line as well as our diplomatic efforts. There is a real prospect of ending this war and America's determination is decisive.
Both Zelensky and the Kremlin confirmed that discussions would continue at the Ankara summit.
Battlefield claims and counterclaims
During the call, Putin painted a picture of Russian forces advancing confidently, according to Ushakov. The Kremlin claimed on Friday the capture of Kostyantynivka, a key stronghold in the Donetsk region that Moscow has long sought to control. Kyiv immediately denied the claim, stating that its troops still hold the city and that fighting continues.
He painted a picture of the real situation on the battlefield, where Russian armed forces are advancing confidently.
The front lines have seen little movement in recent months, partly due to the pervasive use of drones that hinder heavy vehicle movements and inflict heavy losses on both sides. Diplomatically, negotiations remain deadlocked, with Moscow demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the entire Donetsk region, a condition Kyiv rejects.
- Kremlin claims capture of Kostyantynivka; Kyiv denies, says fighting continues.
- Trump and Putin hold 1h25 phone call, discuss Ukraine, Iran, and the Middle East.
- Trump and Zelensky speak by phone; Zelensky says there is a real prospect of ending the war.
- NATO summit begins in Ankara; 32 countries attend, €140bn military aid pledge expected.
NATO summit and aid pledge
The Ankara summit, set for July 7–8, will bring together heads of state and delegations from 32 countries, including Trump. Ahead of the gathering, European NATO members and Canada are expected to commit €140 billion in military aid to Ukraine over two years, according to RFI. The pledge underscores the alliance's continued support for Kyiv even as diplomatic channels reopen.
What comes next
The back-to-back calls signal an intensification of diplomatic activity around the war, with Trump positioning himself as a mediator. The Ankara summit will be the first opportunity for face-to-face follow-up, and Zelensky said he and Trump agreed to continue their discussions there. Whether the renewed dialogue can break the current impasse remains uncertain, given the wide gap between Moscow's demands and Kyiv's red lines.
