U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated readiness to assist in finding a resolution to the war in Ukraine following nearly 90-minute telephone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.
Ushakov said Trump made the offer during the call on Saturday, which coincided with U.S. Independence Day, and referenced upcoming diplomatic engagement at a NATO meeting.
He added that the conversation was “business-like and quite constructive,” and that Moscow reiterated its preference for what it described as a political and diplomatic resolution that reflects its core position.
"The American president once again confirmed his readiness to work towards a rapid end to the fighting and find solutions to overcome the crisis," Reuters reported Ushakov saying.
The Kremlin aide also accused Kyiv and its European allies of seeking to prolong and escalate the conflict, including through strikes on Russian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities.
He said Putin briefed Trump on battlefield developments, claiming Russian forces were continuing to advance in eastern Ukraine, including in Donetsk region. Those claims could not be independently verified.
Ukraine has previously rejected Russian assertions of territorial gains, including reports relating to the city of Kostiantynivka, saying its forces remain in control.
Ushakov said Russia continues to insist that any settlement must include full control of Ukraine’s Donbas region, a demand Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also confirmed he had spoken to Trump separately, describing the exchange as “very good” and centred on the frontline situation and prospects for ending the war.
"There is a real prospect to end this war and American resolve will have a crucial meaning," Zelenskiy said in a statement on Telegram.
Zelenskiy added that he and Trump agreed to continue discussions at the forthcoming NATO meeting, where further diplomatic efforts are expected.
Ushakov also said Trump indicated that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would continue efforts to explore a possible settlement and may travel again to Moscow.
The Kremlin reiterated that President Putin has extended an open invitation for Trump to visit Russia.
Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have largely stalled in recent months, as Washington’s attention has also been divided by other global crises.
Despite ongoing exchanges, fundamental differences remain between Moscow and Kyiv over territory, sovereignty and the terms of any potential ceasefire. - July 5, 2026
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