US President Donald Trump held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. The Kremlin and Zelensky confirmed the calls, which also marked the 250th birthday of the United States.
Discussions on Ukraine Conflict
During the 85-minute call with Putin, Trump addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin's foreign policy aide. The conversation also covered issues such as Iran and the Middle East. Ushakov stated that Putin outlined the current situation on the battlefield in Ukraine, where Russian forces are reportedly advancing.
Zelensky's Perspective
Earlier, Zelensky described his call with Trump as 'very good' and mentioned that they discussed the more than four years of war in Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized the prospect of ending the war and America's decisive role. Both leaders agreed to continue their discussions during the NATO Summit in Ankara.
NATO Summit in Ankara
Heads of state and delegations from 32 countries, including Trump, are expected to arrive in Ankara starting Tuesday for the summit. The summit is crucial as it will address ongoing conflicts and security concerns in the region.
Stalled Diplomatic Efforts
On the front lines, Russian forces have made almost no progress in recent months, largely due to the presence of drones, which hinder the movement of heavy vehicles and inflict heavy losses on both sides. Diplomatically, negotiations are at an impasse, with Moscow demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the entire Donetsk region—a demand Kyiv rejects.
