‘Trump’ Card To End Russia-Ukraine War? Weighing The Odds Amid US President’s Phone Calls
‘Trump’ Card To End Russia-Ukraine War? Weighing The Odds Amid US President’s Phone Calls Written By, Last Updated: July 05, 2026, 18:24 IST US President
‘Trump’ Card To End Russia-Ukraine War? Weighing The Odds Amid US President’s Phone Calls Written By, Last Updated: July 05, 2026, 18:24 IST US President Donald Trump's deal-making approach provides a tangible diplomatic channel, but a lasting resolution requires a lot more. News18 explains Rapid Read Combo pictures of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (AFP) US President Donald Trump on Saturday held separate high-stakes phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. These diplomatic discussions occurred amid the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations and serve as groundwork ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey. Can Trump end the war? THE CALL WITH VLADIMIR PUTIN The phone call lasted nearly 90 minutes (reported as 85–90 minutes). President Trump offered to act as a peacemaker and help find a political-diplomatic solution to end the war in Ukraine. He noted that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are prepared to visit Moscow again to continue brokering a settlement. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Putin provided an overview of the battlefield, asserting that Russian forces are “advancing confidently".
This follows contentious Russian claims regarding the capture of Kostiantynivka. The two leaders also discussed the ongoing conflict in Iran and the broader Middle East. Putin congratulated Trump on the US semiquincentennial and extended an open invitation for Trump to visit Moscow. THE CALL WITH VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY The discussion lasted for approximately one hour. Zelenskyy described the exchange as a “very good phone call". They analysed the reality of the front lines and current diplomatic paths. Zelenskyy emphasised that there is a “real prospect to put an end to this war" but underscored that “American resolve" and decisive support remain critical to achieving a lasting peace rather than a temporary pause. Zelenskyy thanked Trump for Washington’s ongoing military and political support while congratulating the US on its 250th birthday. WHAT NEXT? Both Trump and Zelenskyy confirmed they have agreed to continue these critical negotiations in person during the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara. While Trump stated that both sides appear open to making compromises to halt the casualties, major diplomatic hurdles remain—such as Moscow demanding complete Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donetsk region, a condition Kyiv entirely rejects.
The BriefWire