Trump speaks with Putin and Zelenskyy by phone about Ukraine war

Ushakov said Trump reaffirmed his willingness to "facilitate a swift end to hostilities and the search for solutions to overcome the crisis." US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would continue their mediation efforts and were "ready to travel to Moscow if it suited."

Background of the talks

Regarding Moscow's line, Ushakov said: "The Russian side emphasized the preference for a political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict, taking into account fundamental Russian approaches." The Kremlin aide thus referred to Russia's well-known demands without specifying them in detail.

Trump also held a phone call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on the same day, as emerged from the series of conversations. Both sides have repeatedly maintained direct contact in recent months, with the US seeking a mediating role between Kyiv and Moscow.

The timing of the talks coincides with preparations for the NATO summit in Turkey, where Trump is expected in person. Observers see the phone calls as an attempt to send signals to both sides of the conflict ahead of the summit and to lay the groundwork for possible negotiation outcomes.

US mediation efforts

The talks were part of a series of diplomatic contacts that Washington has intensified since Trump took office. The goal is to bring the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, ongoing since February 2022, to a halt. Concrete progress, however, has so far remained limited.

The US government had stressed repeatedly in recent weeks that it is working toward a "peaceful and lasting" outcome to the conflict. Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants to end the war "as quickly as possible" and has sought direct contact with both Kyiv and Moscow to that end.

With the NATO summit in Turkey in view, the allies are likely to discuss possible security guarantees for Ukraine and further support for Kyiv. Trump most recently announced that the US would continue to deliver weapons and provide financial aid. At the same time, he insists on negotiations with Moscow.

Outlook for the NATO summit

It remained open after the phone calls whether a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy could take place soon. The Ukrainian government had repeatedly signaled its willingness for such a summit in the past, while Moscow has so far given no concrete commitment.

The parallel phone calls with both warring parties are seen as characteristic of Trump's diplomatic approach, which relies on direct lines and personal relationships with heads of state. What progress the talks will actually yield is likely to become clear only at the NATO summit next week.

Reactions and open questions

Ushakov also expressed confidence in his audio message about the continuation of American mediation efforts. He stressed that Moscow is pursuing a "political and diplomatic solution" without disclosing the conditions for such a solution.

The international community is watching the talks with suspense, as an end to the conflict would have far-reaching consequences for the security architecture in Europe. Allied states and Kyiv's partners are insisting that any negotiation outcomes preserve Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.