Donald Trump held separate phone calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. These diplomatic efforts coincided with a Ukrainian attack in northern Crimea that killed one person and injured two others, according to Russian-installed officials.
What happened in the attack on Crimea?
One person died and two others were injured following a Ukrainian attack on northern Crimea in the early hours of Sunday. Sergei Aksyonov, the Russia-installed regional governor, reported the casualties on Telegram, noting that one of the injured is in serious condition. Aksyonov didn’t provide specific details regarding the attack.
This incident follows a recent trend of intensified Ukrainian strikes on infrastructure within the peninsula. Kyiv’s military strategy aims to isolate Crimea, a vital Russian-held peninsula, as the conflict enters its fifth year.
What did Trump and Zelenskyy discuss?
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed in a post on X that he spoke with Donald Trump to discuss the situation along the front line. Zelenskyy stated there’s a “real prospect of ending this war” and emphasized that American determination will be crucial.
The two leaders agreed to continue their discussions in person during the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. Zelenskyy also used the call to offer congratulations to Trump to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
How did the call between Putin and Trump unfold?
The Kremlin described a “constructive” phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump on Saturday that lasted nearly an hour and half. According to Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov, this marks the fourth conversation between the two leaders this year.
Ushakov stated that Trump reaffirmed his readiness to help achieve a “quick cessation of hostilities” and search for peaceful solutions to settle the crisis. The Kremlin noted that Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will continue mediation efforts. Putin reiterated Russia’s preference for a diplomatic settlement, provided that Russia’s “fundamental positions” are taken into account.
During the call, Putin alleged that Kyiv and its European allies are “betting on prolonging, and even escalating the conflict.” Ushakov reported that Putin characterized the European “party of war” as operating from a “flawed perception” of the overall situation.
Why does the timing of these calls matter?
| Leader | Reported Stance/Goal | Key Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Volodymyr Zelenskyy | Seeks American determination to end the war. | In-person meeting at NATO summit in Ankara. |
| Vladimir Putin | Prefers diplomatic settlement based on Russian positions. | Mediation via Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. |
| Donald Trump | Aims for a “quick cessation of hostilities.” | Continued mediation through designated envoys. |
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