Trump says end to Ukraine war ‘closer than people realise’ after Putin, Zelensky talks

US President Donald Trump on Monday said an end to the more than four-year war in Ukraine may be closer than many believe, expressing confidence after separate calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said both leaders now wanted the conflict to end and confirmed Ukraine would be a key topic during discussions at the NATO summit in Turkiye this week.

“We’re getting much closer than people realize. President Putin wants it to end… President Zelensky actually wants it to end now,” Trump said.

Despite Trump’s optimism, Russia launched another major overnight missile and drone attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region, killing at least 28 people.

Trump is expected to meet Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday, with US officials describing the talks as a renewed effort to push for a peace agreement. He is also expected to speak again with Vladimir Putin after the meeting.

Kremlin says Trump’s position unchanged

The Kremlin said Trump has maintained a consistent approach toward the war, dismissing speculation that his stance has shifted. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow believed the US president remained open to hearing Russia’s position and that both leaders had agreed to stay in close contact.

Zelensky, meanwhile, told the Financial Times that he believes Trump is beginning to view the conflict differently following Ukraine’s recent long-range drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.

According to Zelensky, Trump praised Ukraine’s recent military performance during their phone call, while the Ukrainian leader suggested the US president is increasingly inclined to back what he sees as a successful strategy.

Trump’s latest remarks also marked a notable shift in tone from earlier criticism, when he urged Zelensky to move quickly toward negotiations, arguing Ukraine lacked leverage in peace talks.