WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump held separate phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, as the conflict in Ukraine continued amid preparations for this week’s G7 summit.
The calls took place on Trump’s 80th birthday, with both leaders discussing the ongoing conflict, according to statements from the Kremlin, the Ukrainian presidency and the White House.
Trump spoke with Putin for just under an hour in a conversation described by the Kremlin as “friendly and frank,” Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said. Trump emphasized the need to end the fighting in Ukraine and expressed willingness to help facilitate a settlement, Tass news agency reported.
Separately, Trump held a roughly 30-minute call with Zelenskyy, who described it as a “wonderful conversation” on Telegram. Zelenskyy congratulated Trump on his birthday and updated him on battlefield developments, the Ukrainian leader said.
Trump told reporters after the calls that both Putin and Zelenskyy appeared open to doing “something” on Ukraine. “I see maybe we can do something there. I really do,” he said.
The discussions come as U.S.-brokered peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow remain stalled, with the conflict in Ukraine a key topic ahead of the G7 summit in France. Trump also raised the situation with Iran during the call with Putin, according to Russian officials.
Zelenskyy said he wished Trump success in efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have proposed a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin on the sidelines of the G7 gathering, but Moscow has not provided a clear response.
The Kremlin confirmed that Putin congratulated Trump on his birthday during their conversation. Details of specific agreements or outcomes from the calls remain unclear, officials said.
As of Monday, fighting continued in Ukraine, with recent Russian strikes reported and Ukrainian forces maintaining defensive positions. Both sides have reported ongoing military operations, though independent verification of the latest battlefield claims is limited.
Trump administration officials have indicated that the U.S. continues to engage with European allies on the issue. The G7 summit, beginning Monday in Évian-les-Bains, France, is expected to address the conflict, with leaders seeking coordinated positions.
The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, with humanitarian concerns and diplomatic efforts ongoing. No immediate breakthroughs were announced following the weekend calls.
