Trump speaks with Putin and Zelenskyy as war in Ukraine rages on
President Trump spoke with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Sunday, urging negotiations while European leaders push for a direct Zelenskyy-Putin meeting. Ukraine insists battlefield momentum remains in its favor. The calls follow a reported U.S.-Iran agreement and precede the G7 summit.
What changed
European leaders now openly call for Trump to host Zelenskyy-Putin talks, while Ukraine’s battlefield claims are framed as a shift from earlier losses.
Live updates
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Trump pushes Ukraine talks with Putin, Zelenskyy as G7 summit looms
confidence 95%President Trump spoke with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Sunday, urging negotiations while European leaders push for a direct Zelenskyy-Putin meeting. Ukraine insists battlefield momentum remains in its favor. The calls follow a reported U.S.-Iran agreement and precede the G7 summit.
What's confirmed:
- U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on June 16, 2026, amid intensified diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
- European leaders at the G7 summit urged Trump to facilitate a direct meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin to advance peace talks.
- Zelenskyy told U.S. officials Ukraine is no longer losing on the battlefield, marking a shift in public assessments of the conflict’s trajectory.
- Trump’s calls with Putin and Zelenskyy occurred ahead of the G7 summit in France, where regional security and the Iran deal are key topics.
Still unconfirmed:
- Putin’s call with Trump reportedly lasted nearly an hour, though duration details have not been independently confirmed.
- Trump signaled U.S. progress on a potential Iran peace deal, though no official text or terms have been released.
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Trump pushes for Ukraine peace talks amid Iran deal progress
confidence 92%U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, June 16, as Ukraine war talks intensify. Trump urged Russia to negotiate an end to the conflict while signaling U.S. progress on a potential Iran peace deal. Zelenskyy extended birthday wishes to Trump, and Putin’s call reportedly lasted nearly an hour. The discussions come ahead of the G7 summit.
What's confirmed:
- U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, June 16, 2026, amid ongoing fighting in Ukraine.
- Trump told Putin the U.S. is prepared to help end the war in Ukraine, according to Russian officials.
- Zelenskyy called Trump to wish him a happy birthday during the conversation.
- Putin’s call with Trump lasted nearly an hour, per Russian officials.
- Trump stated publicly on Tuesday, June 16, that 'Russia should make a deal' to end its four-year war in Ukraine.
Still unconfirmed:
- Trump reportedly told Putin the U.S. is 'nearing a peace deal with Iran' during the call, according to a Putin adviser.
- The U.S. is allegedly close to finalizing an Iran agreement, though no official confirmation has been issued.
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Trump holds separate calls with Putin and Zelenskyy amid Ukraine war escalation
confidence 95%U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, June 16, as fighting in Ukraine continued. Both leaders discussed the war ahead of the G7 summit, with Zelenskyy offering birthday greetings to Trump. Putin’s call lasted nearly an hour, according to Russian officials.
What's confirmed:
- President Donald Trump spoke separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, June 16, 2026, amid ongoing hostilities in Ukraine.
- Trump reiterated a U.S. demand for an end to the war during both calls.
- Zelenskyy offered congratulations to Trump on his 80th birthday during their conversation.
- Putin’s phone call with Trump lasted just under an hour, according to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.
- The calls took place ahead of this week’s G7 summit, where the Ukraine war remains a key topic.
Still unconfirmed:
- Trump suggested a potential U.S. role in ending the conflict, though specifics were not disclosed.
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Trump holds separate calls with Putin and Zelenskyy amid Ukraine war as G7 summit nears
confidence 97%U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, June 16, 2026, as the war in Ukraine continued and ahead of the G7 summit. Trump suggested a potential role in ending the conflict, while Zelenskyy emphasized peace talks. The calls occurred on Trump’s 80th birthday, with Zelenskyy offering congratulations.
What's confirmed:
- U.S. President Donald Trump held separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, June 16, 2026, marking his 80th birthday.
- Trump stated after the calls that 'maybe we could do something here,' suggesting a potential U.S. role in resolving the Ukraine war.
- Zelenskyy congratulated Trump on his birthday and discussed peace efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, with plans to speak further at the upcoming G7 summit.
- Putin’s call with Trump lasted just under an hour, according to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.
- Drone strikes in Russia killed at least two people on Sunday, coinciding with the calls between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy.
Still unconfirmed:
- Trump reportedly told Putin he is prepared to help end the war in Ukraine, though this claim is not yet confirmed by official statements.
- The calls between Trump and Putin may have covered topics including Iran and a planned visit to Moscow by U.S. officials, but details remain unverified.