Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, today announced a nearly 90-minute phone call on 4/7, coinciding with the US's 250th Independence Day. President Putin congratulated his counterpart Donald Trump and the American people on this significant milestone.
During the call, President Trump "once again confirmed his readiness to work towards a swift end to the fighting and finding a solution to the crisis," Ushakov stated, referring to the Ukraine conflict. The Russian official described the conversation as "realistic and quite constructive," adding that Moscow seeks a "political-diplomatic solution to the conflict, taking into account Russia's fundamental approaches."
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President Putin (left) and President Trump in Alaska in August 2025. Photo: AP
The Kremlin official accused Ukraine and its European allies of prolonging and escalating the conflict, including carrying out attacks "targeting civilians." He cited Ukraine's long-range attacks on targets in Russian territory and areas controlled by Moscow since the war began, primarily impacting the oil industry. President Putin also described the "actual situation on the battlefield," emphasizing that Russian troops are advancing and controlling more areas.
According to Ushakov, President Trump mentioned that special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would continue to seek mediation and were ready to visit Moskva again. Putin expressed hope that US diplomatic efforts regarding the Middle East conflict would help achieve "long-term, mutually acceptable solutions to key issues." The Russian president also affirmed that his American counterpart is always welcome to visit Moskva.
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President Zelensky (left) and his counterpart Trump in Florida, US in December 2025. Photo: AFP
On the same day, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a "very good" phone call with President Trump on 4/7. During their discussion, the two leaders addressed the 1,200 km front line in the Ukraine conflict. "There is a real prospect to end the war, and US determination is decisive," Zelensky said, adding that they agreed to continue discussions at the NATO summit in Turkey next week.
The White House has not commented on the phone calls. US diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine conflict have almost stalled, as Washington has had to focus on the conflict with Tehran. Russia stated that any solution to the conflict must include recognition of its full control over the Donbass region, comprising Donetsk and Lugansk provinces, but Ukraine rejects this possibility.
