U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, his 80th birthday, as the war in Ukraine remains a central focus ahead of this week's G7 summit. The calls addressed the ongoing conflict, potential peace negotiations, and an upcoming visit by U.S. envoys to Russia.
Key Developments
- Trump-Zelensky Call: Zelensky congratulated Trump on his birthday and thanked him for U.S. support, including military aid. They discussed peace efforts and Ukraine's strengthened battlefield position. Zelensky also mentioned plans to continue discussions at the G7 summit.
- Trump-Putin Call: The Kremlin said the conversation focused on the war in Ukraine, potential peace talks, and an upcoming visit by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Russia. Trump reportedly emphasized the need to end hostilities and expressed readiness to influence European allies and Kyiv toward that goal. Putin argued that Ukrainian strikes on Russian civilian infrastructure would not change Ukraine's position on the battlefield.
Detailed Context
Peace Talks and G7 Summit
Both Zelensky and Putin referenced the G7 summit, where Ukraine and Russia's war is expected to be a major topic. Zelensky said he and Trump agreed to discuss peace efforts further during their meeting at the summit. Putin, meanwhile, suggested that if Zelensky wanted a meeting, he should come to Moscow.
U.S.-Russia Relations and Iran
The Kremlin also reported that Trump and Putin discussed a potential U.S.-Iran agreement, with Trump stating that an agreement was close. The Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Trump hoped the results of the talks could be made public soon.
Military Developments
The calls came as Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Russian infrastructure, including an oil facility and a residential area in the Oryol region, killing one person and wounding nine. These strikes are part of Kyiv's campaign against military and energy targets deep inside Russia.
Perspectives on the Conflict
- Zelensky's View: Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's strengthened position along the eastern front line and expressed gratitude for U.S. support, including military aid like Javelins and Patriots.
- Putin's View: Putin argued that Ukrainian strikes on Russian civilian infrastructure would not change Ukraine's position on the battlefield and reiterated his stance that Zelensky should come to Moscow for a meeting.
- Trump's View: Trump reportedly emphasized the need to end hostilities and stated his readiness to influence European allies and Kyiv toward peace, including at the G7 summit. He also noted that recent strikes on civilian targets complicate a settlement.