Trump Discusses Ukraine War with Putin and Zelensky Ahead of NATO Summit in Turkey

The Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation lasting approximately one hour and 25 minutes, focusing on the war in Ukraine ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. Putin provided a detailed account of the conflict, and Trump offered assistance to help resolve the dispute during the upcoming NATO meeting. Additionally, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner expressed willingness to visit Moscow, with sources indicating a possible visit before the end of August, though no exact dates have been set.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed he spoke with Trump during the U.S. Independence Day celebrations on July 4. Zelensky described the conversation as "very good," discussing the frontline situation and emphasizing the critical role of American determination in ending the more than four-year conflict. Both leaders agreed to continue talks during the NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara, Turkey.

The 36th NATO summit will address sensitive geopolitical issues, including developments in the Ukraine war, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and security challenges stemming from reduced U.S. support for European defense programs. Reports from Al Arabiya indicate Zelensky will attend a dinner with NATO leaders but will not participate in the main summit session, a move intended to avoid conflicts with Trump over Ukraine.