Trump speaks with Putin and Zelenski on US Independence Day, discusses path to end Ukraine war
US President Donald Trump held separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski on July 4, discussing the war in Ukraine and the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
Dual calls on Independence Day
On July 4, the 250th anniversary of US independence, President Donald Trump spoke by phone with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski. The Kremlin said the Putin call lasted about an hour and a half and was initiated by the White House. Russian presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov described the conversation as "businesslike and constructive." The Zelenski call was announced by the Ukrainian leader on social media as "very fruitful."
Zelenski sees 'real prospect' of ending war
Zelenski thanked Trump for US military assistance, mentioning Patriot missiles and other support. He said the two discussed the front line, which stretches about 1,200 kilometers, and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
There is a real prospect of ending this war, and American determination will be crucial.
The Ukrainian president added that he and Trump agreed to continue their dialogue at the NATO summit in Ankara, scheduled for July 7–8.
Putin outlines battlefield advances, invites Trump to Russia
According to Ushakov, Putin presented his own version of the situation on the ground, claiming Russian forces are "advancing confidently, liberating one locality after another." The Kremlin recently claimed the capture of Kostantinivka in Donetsk, a claim Kyiv denied, saying fighting continues there. Putin also reiterated an invitation for Trump to visit Russia, and the two leaders agreed to stay in contact. Trump, for his part, mentioned "colossal prospects" for US-Russia economic cooperation once the war ends.
NATO summit in Ankara next step
Both calls were held with an eye toward the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey. Ushakov said the Ukraine settlement was discussed "taking into account Donald Trump's future participation in the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7 and 8." Zelenski confirmed the plan to continue talks there. The summit will gather heads of state and delegations from 32 countries.
- On July 4, Trump and Putin speak for about 90 minutes, discussing Ukraine, the Middle East, and economic cooperation.
- On July 4, Trump and Zelenski speak, with Zelenski stating a 'real prospect' of ending the war and thanking the US for support.
- July 7-8: NATO summit in Ankara, where Trump and Zelenski plan to continue discussions.
- Russian adviser Ushakov says US envoys Witkoff and Kushner will visit Moscow (date unspecified).
US envoys expected in Moscow
Ushakov also said that US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would make a new visit to Moscow, though no date was given. The Kremlin adviser accused Ukraine and its European allies of seeking to "prolong and even escalate the conflict," pointing to long-range strikes on Russian oil infrastructure that he said caused fuel shortages in several regions.
