Ukraine war briefing: Trump repositions himself as peacemaker in long call with Putin

What Happened

US President Donald Trump held a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, offering to help end the Ukraine war, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. Ushakov described the conversation as 'business-like and quite constructive', stating Trump confirmed readiness to work towards a rapid end to fighting. Russia said it seeks a political-diplomatic resolution with due account of its 'fundamental approach'. Ushakov accused Kyiv and its European allies of 'counting on extending and even escalating the conflict'. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also spoke with Trump, describing the call as 'very good' and noting discussion of the 1,200km frontline. Zelenskyy said 'there is a real prospect to end this war' and that 'American resolve will have a crucial meaning', with both agreeing to continue talks at the upcoming Nato summit in Turkey. Simultaneously, Russia claimed its forces captured the strategic Donetsk city of Kostyantynivka, but Ukraine denied this. Ukrainian army spokesperson Andriy Kovalyov said the city remains under Ukrainian control while acknowledging small groups of Russian infiltrators. Zelenskyy dismissed Moscow's claim as 'a lie', inviting Putin to meet in Kostyantynivka if it were truly under Russian control. Russian MoD had stated its troops are 'in all parts of the town', while Putin had earlier thanked forces for seizing it. In separate military activity, Russia reported Ukrainian drone strikes on an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, a port near Finland, and the Peterhof complex, all without casualties or damage; St. Petersburg governor Alexander Beglov said 72 drones were shot down. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 62 drones were intercepted heading for the capital. Russia claimed to have downed almost 500 drones and 10 Flamingo missiles overnight. Zelenskyy separately claimed Ukraine struck the Kronstadt naval base in St. Petersburg. Russian authorities reported one death in Bryansk and one in annexed Crimea, and damage to infrastructure in Belgorod causing power and water disruptions.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The calls signal a potential US-led diplomatic push to end the war, possibly redefining Western engagement ahead of the Nato summit. The dispute over Kostyantynivka highlights the intense and contested nature of the Donetsk front, where control of key cities remains fluid. Ukraine’s deep drone strikes into St. Petersburg and elsewhere demonstrate a expanding capability to threaten Russian infrastructure far from the front, as Moscow vows retaliation, raising the stakes for both conventional and asymmetric warfare.

Watch For

The Nato summit in Turkey will be a critical venue for follow-up talks between Trump, Zelenskyy, and allied leaders, potentially yielding concrete diplomatic initiatives. Clarity on whether Russian forces have established full control of Kostyantynivka or if Ukrainian defenders continue to hold out is expected in the coming days. Further reciprocal drone and missile strikes, particularly deep inside Russian territory and on Ukrainian cities, may escalate as each side seeks leverage.