‘Trump’ Card To End Russia-Ukraine War: Weighing The Odds Amid US President’s Phone Calls

Last Updated:July 05, 2026, 18:23 IST

US President Donald Trump's deal-making approach provides a tangible diplomatic channel, but a lasting resolution requires a lot more. News18 explains

US President Donald Trump on Saturday held separate high-stakes phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. These diplomatic discussions occurred amid the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations and serve as groundwork ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey.

Can Trump end the war?

THE CALL WITH VLADIMIR PUTIN

The phone call lasted nearly 90 minutes (reported as 85–90 minutes). President Trump offered to act as a peacemaker and help find a political-diplomatic solution to end the war in Ukraine. He noted that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are prepared to visit Moscow again to continue brokering a settlement.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Putin provided an overview of the battlefield, asserting that Russian forces are “advancing confidently". This follows contentious Russian claims regarding the capture of Kostiantynivka.

The two leaders also discussed the ongoing conflict in Iran and the broader Middle East. Putin congratulated Trump on the US semiquincentennial and extended an open invitation for Trump to visit Moscow.

THE CALL WITH VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY

The discussion lasted for approximately one hour. Zelenskyy described the exchange as a “very good phone call". They analysed the reality of the front lines and current diplomatic paths.

Zelenskyy emphasised that there is a “real prospect to put an end to this war" but underscored that “American resolve" and decisive support remain critical to achieving a lasting peace rather than a temporary pause.

Zelenskyy thanked Trump for Washington’s ongoing military and political support while congratulating the US on its 250th birthday.

WHAT NEXT?

Both Trump and Zelenskyy confirmed they have agreed to continue these critical negotiations in person during the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara. While Trump stated that both sides appear open to making compromises to halt the casualties, major diplomatic hurdles remain—such as Moscow demanding complete Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donetsk region, a condition Kyiv entirely rejects.

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The upcoming NATO summit serves as the primary stage for Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders to negotiate the next steps for a potential peace framework. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has remarked that Trump is uniquely positioned to break the deadlock.

THE HURDLES

While Trump is heavily pushing for an immediate ceasefire, both warring nations maintain fundamentally clashing preconditions:

• The Kremlin states that any peace plan must reflect the “territorial reality on the ground," insisting on full control over the Donbas region and requiring permanent Ukrainian neutrality and demilitarization.
• President Zelenskyy and the majority of Ukrainians reject any “land-for-peace" deals that force them to cede sovereign territory. Ukraine is leveraging its long-range capabilities to try to force Russia into a fairer negotiation rather than accepting a weak peace deal.
• Foreign policy experts point out that forcing a quick conflict freeze along the current front lines risks creating a fragile, temporary truce. Without robust security guarantees for Ukraine, Russia could simply use the pause to rearm and strike again later.

Ultimately, Trump’s deal-making approach provides a tangible diplomatic channel, but a lasting resolution requires navigating intractable territorial disputes, international security guarantees, and the willingness of both Putin and Zelenskyy to compromise, say experts.

With agency inputs

About the Author

Manjiri Joshi

At the news desk for 20 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci...Read More

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