By Zoey
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, during which the two leaders discussed ongoing efforts to bring an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia, as world leaders prepare to gather for a crucial G7 summit in France later this week.
According to Zelenskiy, the discussion focused on diplomatic initiatives aimed at advancing peace and strengthening international coordination as the conflict enters its fifth year. The Ukrainian leader also used the opportunity to wish Trump a happy 80th birthday and expressed gratitude for the military and political support the United States has provided since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
In a message posted on Telegram, Zelenskiy said he wished Trump success in his efforts to help bring the war to a close. He described the conversation as constructive and said both leaders exchanged views on the current state of the conflict, the positions of Ukraine’s international partners, and possible pathways toward a negotiated settlement.
The call comes just days before leaders of the Group of Seven nations are set to meet in Evian-les-Bains, France, where the war in Ukraine is expected to be one of the central topics on the agenda. Discussions among world leaders are expected to focus on military assistance, economic pressure on Russia, and potential diplomatic steps that could help create conditions for peace.
Zelenskiy said he briefed Trump on recent developments along the front lines and argued that Ukraine’s position has improved in recent weeks. He suggested that changes on the battlefield could create new opportunities for diplomacy and increase the chances of reaching a peace agreement.
“We talked about what could help bring peace closer right now,” Zelenskiy said, adding that Ukraine has developed several proposals that it believes could contribute to ending the conflict and restoring stability.
Efforts led by Washington to facilitate negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow have struggled to gain traction in recent months. Diplomatic initiatives have faced numerous obstacles, including deep disagreements over territorial control, security guarantees, and the conditions required for a ceasefire.
International attention has also been divided by rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing confrontation involving Iran, which has complicated broader diplomatic efforts.
Despite these challenges, Ukrainian officials have increasingly argued that recent battlefield developments have strengthened Kyiv’s position and created a potential opening for renewed negotiations. Zelenskiy has repeatedly stated that any peace process must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while providing long-term security guarantees against future aggression.
Earlier this month, Zelenskiy publicly appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in direct face-to-face talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and laying the groundwork for a broader peace settlement. The proposal received backing from several major European powers.
Following consultations with Zelenskiy in London last weekend, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany issued a joint statement supporting the idea of direct negotiations and reaffirming Europe’s commitment to playing a significant role in any future peace process.
Moscow, however, has shown little sign of changing its position. Putin has said he sees no immediate need for a personal meeting with Zelenskiy and continues to argue that Russian forces hold the advantage on the battlefield. The Kremlin has maintained demands that Ukraine surrender additional territory as part of any settlement, conditions that Kyiv has repeatedly rejected as unacceptable.
Ukraine insists that any agreement requiring the loss of sovereign territory would only encourage further aggression and undermine international law. Ukrainian officials continue to call for a comprehensive settlement that includes the withdrawal of Russian forces, security guarantees, and mechanisms to prevent future conflicts.
During his conversation with Trump, Zelenskiy also highlighted the importance of continued U.S. military assistance. He specifically thanked Washington for supplying Javelin anti-tank missiles and Patriot air-defense systems, which Ukrainian officials say have played a critical role in defending the country against Russian attacks.
The Patriot system remains particularly important for Ukraine’s air defenses, as it is considered one of the few weapons capable of intercepting advanced ballistic missiles launched by Russia. Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly warned that existing supplies are insufficient to protect all major cities and critical infrastructure.
Last month, Zelenskiy sent a letter to Trump and members of the U.S. Congress requesting additional Patriot systems and interceptor missiles, arguing that expanded air-defense capabilities are essential to protecting civilians and maintaining the country’s resilience as the war continues.
As preparations continue for the G7 summit, Kyiv hopes renewed diplomatic engagement with Washington and its European allies can help translate military gains into meaningful progress toward a lasting peace. Whether those efforts can overcome the deep divisions between Ukraine and Russia remains uncertain, but officials in Kyiv believe the coming weeks could prove decisive in shaping the next phase of the conflict.
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