Trump says Putin and Zelenski both want to end the war in Ukraine, ahead of Ankara meeting

Trump's statements at the NATO summit

Arriving in Ankara on Tuesday, Trump told reporters he had a "very good" and lengthy phone conversation with Putin over the weekend, followed immediately by a call with Zelenski. "I think both want to reach an agreement. It's a pity it took so long. But I think there is a possibility," he said. He added that he expects to resolve the situation, "hopefully soon."

I think both want to reach an agreement. It's a pity it took so long. But I think there is a possibility.

The diplomatic back-channel

Trump revealed he also spoke with both leaders on July 4, when they congratulated him on US Independence Day and discussed the war. He noted that his relationships with the two have fluctuated: "Sometimes I got along well with Putin and there was a problem with Zelenski, other times it was the other way around. But now I think both want to solve the situation." The Kremlin and the Ukrainian president's office have not officially confirmed the July 6 calls.

Violence continues on the ground

The diplomatic talk comes amid relentless Russian attacks. A new wave of strikes killed at least 21 people across Ukraine, according to authorities, with Kyiv again targeted. In July alone, 50 people died in the capital from Russian missile and drone attacks. Zelenski stressed the urgent need for air defence systems, calling Russia's ballistic missiles "the last major advantage of Russia."

Europe must build a strong defence against Russia's ballistic missiles. This is a major challenge; this is Russia's last major advantage.

A possible Trump-Putin meeting

Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said there are no concrete agreements on a potential visit by Trump to Russia, despite Putin extending a permanent invitation. The idea surfaced after Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said Trump expressed admiration for the Hermitage Museum during the Sunday call. Peskov told TASS, "There are no concrete agreements on this matter at the moment."

There are no concrete agreements on this matter at the moment.

What to expect at the summit

Trump and Zelenski are scheduled to meet on Wednesday in Ankara. The Ukrainian leader said he will press for more air defence systems. The war, now in its fourth year, remains the dominant topic at the NATO gathering, with allies discussing continued military support for Kyiv and strengthening the eastern flank.