Putin, Trump Hold Phone Call on Ukraine, Bilateral Relations on US Independence Day

July 5, 2026

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on the occasion of the United States’ 250th Independence Day, discussing the Ukraine conflict, bilateral relations and prospects for future cooperation.

The call, the fourth between the two leaders this year, was described by the Kremlin as constructive and focused on key international and bilateral issues.

Putin Extends Independence Day Greetings

During the conversation, President Putin congratulated President Trump on the United States’ Independence Day, marking the country’s 250th anniversary.

According to the Kremlin, the discussion went beyond ceremonial greetings and included substantive exchanges on major geopolitical and bilateral matters.

Ukraine Conflict Dominates Talks

Putin briefed Trump on what Russia described as the current battlefield situation, stating that Russian forces were advancing across the line of contact in Ukraine.

The Kremlin also claimed that European countries have an inaccurate understanding of developments on the ground and alleged that Ukraine and its European partners are seeking to prolong and escalate the conflict.

Russian officials further accused Kyiv of carrying out long-range strikes on targets linked to Russia’s oil industry, which they said had contributed to fuel shortages in several regions.

Focus on Future Russia-US Cooperation

Both leaders discussed the importance of maintaining regular dialogue on military, political and economic issues.

According to the Kremlin, Trump stressed that an early resolution of the Ukraine conflict would create favourable conditions for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the United States and Russia.

Kremlin Signals Openness to Putin-Zelensky Meeting

Separately, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could meet President Putin in Moscow once he is prepared to take what Russia described as “important and responsible decisions.”

Responding to Zelensky’s earlier proposal for a meeting in Kostiantynivka, Peskov said Moscow remained the appropriate venue, noting that it is the capital of Russia.

Diplomatic Contacts Continue

The latest conversation reflects continued high-level communication between Washington and Moscow despite ongoing tensions over the Ukraine conflict. While differences remain significant, both sides acknowledged the importance of maintaining dialogue on strategic and international issues.