Trump speaks with Putin and Zelensky, offers help to end the Ukraine war

According to Ushakov's account, Russia is pursuing a political-diplomatic solution that takes fundamental Russian positions into account. Trump made his offer in connection with his participation in a NATO summit in Türkiye, Ushakov added. Both Trump and Zelensky agreed to continue their discussions at the summit in Ankara.

Zelensky said on Saturday that he had held a "very good conversation" with Trump on US Independence Day on July 4. He saw a real chance to end the war: "There is a real prospect of ending this war, and American resolve will be decisive." Zelensky also spoke of Kyiv's readiness to work together with Washington toward a diplomatic solution.

Course of the war and disputed territorial gains

While the diplomatic talks were under way, the military confrontation continued. Russian commanders reported on Friday the capture of the city of Kostyantynivka. However, Zelensky and the Ukrainian General Staff rejected this account, calling it a false claim. Separately, Russia responded to further Ukrainian attacks on oil infrastructure overnight with massive airstrikes.

Ushakov accused Kyiv and its allies of driving an escalation of the conflict. Russia insists on a solution that safeguards its own security interests. During the phone call, Putin also described the situation at the front, where Russian troops are said to be advancing according to Russian accounts.

Symbolic gesture in Kyiv

A visible sign was meanwhile set in Kyiv: the 62-meter-tall Motherland Monument was illuminated at night in the colors of the US flag. According to local reports, this was intended to underscore the bond with the United States. The gesture coincided with US Independence Day.

Outlook on the NATO summit in Türkiye

Observers see Trump's parallel talks as an attempt to mediate between the parties to the conflict without publicly committing to either side. The format — separate calls rather than a joint meeting — allows both sides to present their positions without direct pressure to negotiate. Trump has previously stated that he wants to end the war quickly.

The talks also mark the kickoff of the NATO summit in Türkiye, where the alliance partners will discuss further support for Ukraine and collective security in Europe. Zelensky and Trump intend to continue their consultations there. Whether the contacts will produce concrete steps toward de-escalation initially remained unclear.