Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation on Saturday, July 5, 2026 — the day after the United States’ 250th Independence Day — discussing the war in Ukraine and other international issues, including Iran and the Middle East. The call lasted approximately 90 minutes and took place just days before the NATO summit scheduled for July 7–8 in Ankara, Turkey.
Focus on Ukraine and Diplomacy
According to Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy advisor to the Russian president, both leaders addressed the situation in Ukraine “in light of Trump’s upcoming participation in the NATO summit.” Ushakov added that Putin outlined what Moscow describes as the “real battlefield situation,” claiming Russian forces are advancing steadily — a claim echoed by Russia’s recent announcement of capturing the Ukrainian town of Kostiantynivka in the eastern Donetsk region. Kyiv has rejected that assertion, stating Ukrainian troops still hold the city and fighting continues.
Zelenskyy Confirms Separate Call with Trump
Earlier the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he had also spoken with Trump by phone. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy wrote: “I congratulated President Trump and all Americans on Independence Day. We’ve had a very good phone call. We are grateful to the United States for all the assistance we have received — from Javelins and Patriots to political support — and we deeply value that America stands with us in defending our sovereignty.”
Zelenskyy added that the two leaders discussed the current frontline situation and diplomatic efforts, noting: “There is a real prospect this war can end — and America’s resolve is decisive.” He also confirmed they agreed to continue talks during the NATO summit in Ankara.
NATO Summit to Bring Together 32 Nations
Leaders and delegations from all 32 NATO member states — including Trump, who is attending in his capacity as former U.S. president and presumptive 2024 election winner — are expected to gather in Ankara starting Tuesday. The summit comes amid intensifying battlefield dynamics, with Ukrainian forces relying heavily on drones to disrupt Russian armored advances, slowing ground progress significantly in recent months.