President Donald Trump held separate telephone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year.
Calls Coincide With Crimea Strike
The calls took place as Ukrainian forces struck targets in Russian-occupied Crimea, killing one person and injuring two others, according to Russian-installed officials.
The discussions come amid stalled battlefield progress and ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Zelenskyy said he initiated contact to congratulate Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence.
In a post on X, the Ukrainian leader described the conversation as productive and said the two addressed the situation along the front line.
“There is a real prospect of ending this war, and America’s determination will be crucial,” Zelenskyy wrote. “We agreed to continue the conversation in person during the NATO summit in Ankara.”
Kremlin Details Putin-Trump Discussion
The Kremlin confirmed that Putin and Trump spoke for nearly 90 minutes. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin congratulated Trump and the American people on the independence anniversary.
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Trump, Ushakov added, reaffirmed his readiness to help achieve a quick end to hostilities and pursue peaceful solutions.
Ushakov said Putin stressed Russia’s preference for a diplomatic settlement but only if its core demands are met. He accused Kyiv and European allies of seeking to prolong the conflict.
Putin also briefed Trump on what he called confident Russian advances, including the reported capture of the Ukrainian stronghold of Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region.
Ukrainian officials rejected that claim. Ukraine’s General Staff stated on Sunday that Kostyantynivka remains under its control, calling the Russian assertion false.
The war, now entering its fifth year, began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, following the 2014 annexation of Crimea.
Recent months have seen incremental Russian gains in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv has increased long-range strikes on Crimea and other rear areas to disrupt Russian logistics.
Russian authorities in Crimea declared a state of emergency last month after Ukrainian attacks, halting civilian fuel sales. Putin acknowledged in recent remarks that the strikes were creating difficulties for Russian operations.
Envoys to Continue Mediation
Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will continue mediation efforts and remain available to travel to Moscow, according to the Kremlin.
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The calls mark the fourth conversation between Trump and Putin this year. No immediate details emerged from the White House on the content of either discussion.
European leaders have expressed varying degrees of support for continued aid to Ukraine, while some have grown concerned about the sustainability of military assistance.
In Crimea, Russian-installed Governor Sergei Aksyonov reported the strike in northern areas via Telegram. He provided no further details on the method of attack. Ukrainian officials have not publicly claimed responsibility for the specific incident.
The NATO summit in Ankara next week is expected to address alliance support for Ukraine and broader security issues. Trump is scheduled to attend.
Both sides have signaled openness to talks but remain far apart on key issues, including territorial control, security guarantees, and Ukraine’s future relationship with NATO and the European Union.
Putin has insisted that any deal must account for Russia’s “fundamental positions,” a reference to its demands regarding demilitarization, recognition of annexed territories, and limits on Ukraine’s alliances.
Zelenskyy has emphasized the need for robust security arrangements to prevent future aggression.
