Trump and Putin Discuss War in Ukraine in Over-Hour-Long Phone Call

U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call lasting about one and a half hours with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on Saturday, during which the war in Ukraine was also discussed, according to Kremlin officials.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said the call lasted one hour and 25 minutes and was initiated by the United States. According to him, Putin congratulated Trump on U.S. Independence Day, and the conversation itself was described as "businesslike and very constructive."

Ushakov claimed that Trump repeatedly expressed readiness to promote a peaceful resolution to end the war. Putin, in turn, emphasized that Russia is ready for a diplomatic settlement but only on Moscow's terms.

The Kremlin representative also alleged that Putin informed Trump about the situation on the front, stating that Russian forces continue to advance successfully. These claims could not be independently verified.

According to Ushakov, U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will continue efforts to reach a settlement and may visit Moscow again. Putin also reiterated an invitation for Trump to visit Russia.

On the same day, Trump also spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky described the call as very good and thanked the U.S. for its support to Ukraine.

Zelensky stated that the two leaders discussed the front-line situation and diplomatic efforts to end the war. "There is a real opportunity to end this war, and America's determination will be decisive. We agreed to continue talks in person during the NATO summit in Ankara," the Ukrainian president announced on social media.