Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a phone call on July 4, the 250th US Independence Day. According to Kremlin Press Secretary Yuri Ushakov, the call lasted about one hour and 25 minutes and covered the war in Ukraine, the Iran nuclear issue, and Russia-US relations.
Ushakov said the call began with Putin personally congratulating Trump and the American people. He said the Russian leader emphasized Russia's contribution to the US state-building process. Ushakov recalled that Putin had previously sent Trump a congratulatory telegram for Independence Day, and that Trump had sent Putin a greeting message on Russia Day, June 12.
Ukraine war and peace efforts
The Kremlin official said the leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, particularly in the context of Trump's upcoming attendance at the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7-8. He said Trump reiterated his readiness to play a facilitating role for the swift end of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Ushakov said Trump's special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would continue their mediation efforts and were ready to visit Moscow at an appropriate time. He said the Russian side reiterated its preference for a political-diplomatic solution, taking into account its well-known fundamental approaches.
However, Ushakov claimed that Kyiv and its European supporters had chosen to prolong and escalate the conflict, even resorting to terrorist acts against civilians. "Europe's 'war party' misperceives the overall situation and the realities on the front line," he said.
Ushakov said Putin stated that the Russian Armed Forces were "advancing decisively and liberating settlement after settlement," and claimed that a key Ukrainian position like Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People's Republic had been brought under control. "No matter how much the Kyiv regime clings to its remaining fortifications, our army will certainly capture them," he said.
Iran nuclear negotiations and Russian mediation
The Iran issue was also touched upon during the call. Ushakov said Putin expressed hope that the negotiation process based on the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran would lead to mutually acceptable long-term solutions on key issues. He reiterated that Russia was ready to provide practical support for efforts to reduce tensions and ensure stability in the region. He said Trump thanked Russia for its balanced stance and constructive proposals.
Normalization of relations and joint projects
On bilateral relations, the leaders stressed the importance of maintaining contacts, including on military-political and economic issues. Ushakov said, "There are enormous prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries. Trump emphasized that for this, the Ukraine conflict must be ended as soon as possible."
The call also noted the symbolic importance of the upcoming launch of a joint Russian-American crew from the Baikonur Cosmodrome to the International Space Station in the coming days. Ushakov said this was a concrete example of the two countries' desire to work together in many areas, including culture. He added that Trump expressed admiration for the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
Football was also mentioned. Putin, referring to Russia's experience with the 2018 World Cup, wished success for the ongoing World Cup.
New call and Moscow invitation
Ushakov said the leaders agreed to stay in touch and hold another phone call soon. "Putin reminded Trump that there is a standing invitation to visit Russia," he said.
The Kremlin spokesman added that the previous phone call on June 14 was initiated by Russia on the occasion of Trump's 80th birthday, while this time the proposal for a call on US Independence Day came from the American side, which "means a lot."
