Trump speaks separately with Putin and Zelenskyy, offers to help end Ukraine war

On July 4, 2026, US President Donald Trump held separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, offering to help end the war in Ukraine Source: CNA, CNN, Euronews. The calls came ahead of the NATO summit in Turkey and amid ongoing fighting and disputed territorial claims.

The calls

Trump's conversation with Putin lasted nearly 90 minutes and was described by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov as "businesslike and quite constructive" Source: CNA. Putin congratulated Trump on the 250th anniversary of US independence and reiterated Russia's preference for a political-diplomatic resolution Source: CNN. Trump reaffirmed his readiness to facilitate a cessation of hostilities and to send envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to continue mediation Source: CNA.

Zelenskyy called his talk with Trump "very good" and said there is a "real prospect to end this war," with both leaders agreeing to further discussions at the NATO summit Source: Euronews. Zelenskyy also discussed the 1,200-km front line with Trump, after the US leader had previously praised him as "courageous" Source: CNA, Euronews.

Disputed claims

The calls took place amid competing narratives about the battlefield. Russia claims its forces have captured the strategic city of Kostiantynivka, but Ukraine denies this, saying small groups of Russian soldiers infiltrated and counter-sabotage operations are ongoing Source: CNN. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reports that Putin is constructing a "false reality" of Russian military success, while actual territorial gains are minimal, citing the Institute for the Study of War Source: Al Jazeera.

Putin urged the continuation of analysis of Western involvement in the war, which some Ukrainian officials interpret as an attempt to frame the conflict as a war with NATO Source: Al Jazeera.