Trump Offers to Help End Ukraine War in Calls With Putin and Zelenskyy
Reporting based primarily on timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
US President Donald Trump offered to help end the Ukraine war during a 90-minute call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and separately spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of a Nato summit. [4]
Trump's Offer to Mediate Ukraine Peace
US President Donald Trump offered to help find a solution to the war in Ukraine during a nearly 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. [4] Trump reaffirmed Washington's willingness to work towards ending the conflict during the Independence Day call. [4] Trump also spoke separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who later described the conversation as very good. [4] Trump once again confirmed his readiness to work towards a rapid end to the fighting and find solutions to overcome the crisis. [4] The discussion was described as business-like and quite constructive. [4] Russia continued to seek a political-diplomatic resolution of the conflict that takes into account Moscow's fundamental approach. [4]
Kremlin's Account of Putin-Trump Discussion
During the call, Putin briefed Trump on what he described as the battlefield situation. [4] Putin claimed Russian forces were confidently advancing, liberating one locality after another. [4] The Russian leader's remarks came a day after Moscow claimed to have captured the strategically important city of Kostiantynivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. [4] Trump informed Putin that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would continue efforts to broker a settlement and were prepared to make another visit to Moscow. [4] Putin expressed hope that US diplomatic efforts related to the Iran conflict would help achieve mutually acceptable long-term solutions on broader international issues. [4] Putin additionally reminded Trump that he has an open invitation to visit Moscow. [4]
Zelenskyy's Response and Next Steps
Zelenskyy said his discussion with Trump focused on the 1,200-kilometre front line and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. [4] There is a real prospect to end this war and American resolve will have a crucial meaning, Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. [4] The two leaders agreed to continue their discussions during the Nato summit. [4] Both the Trump-Putin and Trump-Zelenskyy calls also marked the 250th anniversary of US independence. [4]
Conflicting Claims Over Kostiantynivka
Ukraine rejected the assertion that Russian forces had captured Kostiantynivka. [4] Ukrainian army spokesman Andriy Kovalyov said the city remained under Kyiv's control. [4] Zelenskyy dismissed Russia's claim as just another Russian lie. [4] Russia continues to insist any settlement must include Moscow assuming full control of Ukraine's Donbas region, a demand Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. [4] Despite Moscow's claims of territorial gains, fighting around Kostiantynivka remains intense, with Ukrainian forces maintaining defensive positions while acknowledging that small Russian groups have infiltrated parts of the city. [4] The city is regarded as a key gateway to the remaining Ukrainian-held strongholds of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk in the Donbas region. [4]
Broader Diplomatic Context
Peace negotiations remain stalled. [4] Zelenskyy had urged Putin last month to hold a one-on-one meeting to discuss ending the war, but the Russian president declined. [4] The calls took place ahead of the Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey, where leaders are expected to discuss the Ukraine war. [4]
What to watch next: The Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey, is set to feature further discussions on the Ukraine war between the leaders.
