Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy each held separate phone conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, coinciding with Trump’s 80th birthday and amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The discussions occurred ahead of the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit, where the war remains a central issue.
According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s call with Trump lasted just under an hour. Ushakov reported that Trump emphasized the urgency of ending hostilities and expressed willingness to leverage his influence over European allies and Kyiv to achieve that goal. Trump reportedly referenced recent strikes on Russian civilian targets, stating they complicate prospects for a peaceful resolution.
Putin maintained that Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure would not alter the military situation on the ground. He also challenged Zelenskyy to meet him directly in Moscow if he wished to hold talks, as quoted by Ushakov. Additionally, Ushakov noted plans for Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to travel to Russia in the near future.
The conversations also touched on Iran, with Trump expressing optimism about a near agreement with Tehran and hoping for public disclosure of the outcome soon, Ushakov added.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy described his phone call with Trump as “wonderful” in a Telegram statement. Beyond congratulating the U.S. president on his birthday, Zelenskyy thanked Trump for his support of Ukraine and said they discussed potential measures to accelerate peace efforts, although he did not elaborate. Zelenskyy also updated Trump on progress along Ukraine’s eastern front lines, stating that the situation there had improved. He indicated they planned to continue discussions during the upcoming G7 summit.
The diplomatic exchanges came as fighting persisted. Overnight drone strikes on Russian territory resulted in casualties, with one person killed and nine injured in a residential building in Russia’s Oryol region, according to Governor Andrei Klychkov. Another drone attack in Russia’s Bryansk region reportedly killed one individual, according to local authorities.
The ongoing conflict remains a critical topic for international diplomacy as global leaders prepare to meet this week, with efforts to find a resolution continuing amid heightened tensions and violence.