Russia Says Trump Ready to Help End Ukraine War

Moscow stated on Saturday evening that US President Donald Trump ‘reaffirmed his willingness’ to facilitate an end to the war in Ukraine and the search for a peaceful solution during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Presidential aide Yury Ushakov told media that Putin and Trump held a ‘frank’ discussion lasting one hour and 25 minutes, which was ‘professional and very constructive’, covering current bilateral and international issues. Ushakov said Putin and Trump discussed the topic of resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, particularly in light of Trump’s participation in the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on 7-8 July. ‘The US President reaffirmed his willingness to facilitate a swift end to hostilities and the search for a peaceful solution to the crisis,’ Ushakov said. He also noted that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner would continue their mediation efforts and were ready to visit Moscow at an appropriate time. Ushakov further stated that Trump stressed during the call the need to end the war with Ukraine ‘as soon as possible’ to realise the potential for bilateral economic cooperation. Putin accused Ukraine and European countries of ‘betting on the prolongation and even escalation of the conflict,’ he added, noting that the Russian president gave Trump a ‘realistic’ assessment of the situation. Regarding the situation surrounding Iran, Ushakov said Putin expressed hope that the negotiation process based on the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran would lead to ‘a mutually acceptable long-term solution to key settlement issues.’ ‘Putin reaffirmed his country’s readiness to provide practical assistance to efforts to de-escalate and stabilise the situation in the region,’ Ushakov said, adding that Trump thanked his counterpart for Russia’s ‘balanced position and constructive proposals.’ Earlier on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he had held a phone call with Trump, during which he said they discussed the situation on the front lines with Russia, as well as diplomatic efforts. ‘There is a real prospect of ending this war, and American determination is absolutely crucial. We have agreed to continue these discussions during the NATO summit in Ankara,’ Zelenskyy added. Trump has not yet commented on either phone call. In his statement, Ushakov also said that football was discussed, with Putin wishing continued success for the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US is co-hosting. Ushakov further noted that Putin personally congratulated Trump and the American people on the occasion of US Independence Day while ‘recalling Russia’s contribution to the development of the American state.’ ‘The leaders agreed to stay in touch and speak again soon. Our president reminded him that Donald Trump has a standing invitation to visit Russia,’ Ushakov added.