In a recent phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin informed U.S. President Donald Trump that both Europe and Kyiv are relying on the prolongation and potential escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. This statement was made by Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov during a briefing, according to TASS.
Ushakov emphasized that “Kyiv and its European supporters are banking on the extension and even escalation of the conflict, as well as acts of terrorism against civilians.” He noted that Putin conveyed to Trump that the Ukrainian leadership and European capitals operate under a “false perception” of the situation along the front lines.
The conversation lasted nearly 90 minutes, as reported by the Russian Foreign Ministry, where Trump reiterated his willingness to help end the war in Ukraine. This dialogue occurred ahead of the critical NATO summit in Ankara set to begin on Tuesday, amidst an intensifying Russian offensive aimed at seizing more territory in the Donetsk region, a key objective for the Kremlin.
Russian Forces Advance Confidently
During the call, Putin personally congratulated Trump and the American people on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The Russian Foreign Ministry described the discussion as the fourth between the two leaders this year, labeling it as “work-related and highly constructive,” while adding that Trump reiterated his commitment to facilitating a rapid cessation of hostilities in Ukraine.
The ministry reiterated Russia’s preference for a political and diplomatic resolution to the conflict, asserting that “Kyiv and its European supporters aim for the prolongation and even escalation of the conflict.” It was stated that “our president presented the reality of the battlefield, where the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are advancing confidently.”
Additionally, Ukraine announced that President Volodymyr Zelensky had a telephone conversation with Trump, describing it as “very fruitful,” where they discussed the front-line situation. Zelensky noted that there is a “real prospect of ending this war, and American determination will be crucial.”
