Trump tells Putin US ready to help end Ukraine war
The Kremlin said late Saturday that US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his readiness to facilitate an end to the war in Ukraine during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that the leaders also discussed the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara and efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran.
Phone call on Ukraine war
US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his readiness to help end the war in Ukraine during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin late Saturday, with the Kremlin describing the 85-minute exchange as "businesslike and highly constructive," according to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov. Speaking to media, Ushakov said the two leaders touched on the topic of a settlement to the Russia-Ukraine war, particularly in light of Trump's participation in the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, on July 7-8. "The US president reaffirmed his readiness to facilitate a swift end to hostilities and the search for peaceful solutions to the crisis," Ushakov said, noting that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner will continue their mediation efforts.
Ushakov added that Trump emphasized during the call that it would be necessary to end the war with Ukraine "as soon as possible" to realize the potential of bilateral economic cooperation. Putin accused Ukraine and European countries of "betting on prolonging and even escalating the conflict," Ushakov said, adding that the Russian president gave Trump a "real" assessment of the situation.
Iran and regional security
Concerning the situation surrounding Iran, Ushakov said Putin expressed hope that the negotiation process based on the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran will lead to "mutually acceptable long-term solutions to key settlement issues." Putin reaffirmed his country's readiness to provide practical assistance to efforts to de-escalate and stabilize the situation in the region, Ushakov said, adding that Trump thanked his counterpart for the Russian side's "balanced position and constructive proposals."
Separate call with Zelenskyy
Earlier on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he had held a phone call with Trump, during which they discussed the situation on the front line with Russia as well as Kyiv's diplomatic efforts. "There is a real prospect of putting an end to this war, and America's resolve is decisive. We have agreed to continue these discussions during the NATO Summit in Ankara," Zelenskyy said, according to his office.
Independence Day and World Cup
Ushakov also said the topic of football was discussed, during which Putin wished for the continued success of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, of which the US is one of the co-hosts. Putin personally congratulated Trump and the American people on the occasion of US Independence Day while "recalling Russia's contribution to the development of American statehood," Ushakov noted.
The leaders agreed to stay in touch and speak again soon, with Putin reminding Trump that he has a standing invitation to visit Russia. Trump has not yet commented publicly on either phone call.
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