Trump speaks to Zelensky, Putin on Independence Day as leaders congratulate US, discuss war
on Google
President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump on July 4, congratulating him on U.S. Independence Day and discussing the battlefield situation, diplomacy, and efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine.
Zelensky said he congratulated Trump and the American people on the holiday and thanked the United States for its continued support.
"We are grateful to the United States for all the assistance provided, from Javelins and Patriots to political support," Zelensky wrote, adding that Ukraine also appreciates "that America stands with us in defending our independence."
The two leaders also discussed the current situation on the front line and ongoing diplomatic efforts. "There is a real opportunity to end this war, and America's determination will be decisive," Zelensky said.
According to Zelensky, he and Trump agreed to continue their discussions in person during the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
"Thank you, America! Thank you, Mr. President!" Zelensky wrote, wishing the United States "continued prosperity and every success" on its Independence Day.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also spoke to Trump in a phone call that lasted over an hour, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said, according to Russian media.
The conversation between the two was organized at the initiative of the White House, he claimed.
Putin invited the U.S. leader to visit Russia, Ushakov said, adding that the two leaders agreed to stay in touch.
Trump and Putin discussed business and resolving Russia's war against Ukraine, with Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner ready to visit Moscow again, Ushakov claimed.
Putin also shared battlefield updates, including the situation in Kostiantynivka, and Trump confirmed his continued readiness to assist in finding a diplomatic resolution to the war, Ushakov said.
Earlier on July 4, Zelensky also invoked the U.S. Independence Day when criticizing Putin for lying about Russian battlefield gains around Kostiantynivka, in Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast.
"Now, on the eve of America's Independence Day, Putin has chosen to lie to the world and to the President of the United States about the situation on the front," Zelensky said.
