U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, just one day after his sixth call this year with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The back-to-back calls come as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with little indication that a peace agreement is near.
Confirming the call, Zelensky posted to X (formerly Twitter):
“I had a very important and fruitful conversation with @POTUS. I congratulated President Trump and the entire American people on U.S. Independence Day. We in Ukraine are grateful for all the support provided. It helps us protect lives, safeguard our freedom and independence. We have achieved a lot together with America and we support all efforts to stop the killings and restore just, lasting, and dignified peace. A noble agreement for peace is needed.”
Zelensky added that the discussion included Russia’s intensifying airstrikes on Ukrainian cities, particularly Kiev, as well as developments along the frontlines.
Overnight between Thursday and Friday, Russia launched one of its heaviest barrages in weeks, targeting Kiev and surrounding areas with drone and missile attacks. Fires were reported near the Zaluzhny Airport, where Ukrainian military stockpiles were believed to be located. Notably, no Russian drones or missiles were intercepted during the strikes, and no evidence of Ukraine’s air defense systems—including short-range small arms—was observed in the capital.
This deterioration in Ukraine’s air defense capacity coincides with the U.S. suspension of key weapons systems, including Patriot PAC-3 missiles, due to depleted stockpiles. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that such shortages could leave the country dangerously exposed to Russian airpower.
Trump, commenting on his Thursday conversation with Putin, expressed visible frustration, stating:
“I'm very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I don't think he's there.”
Putin reportedly reiterated Russia’s longstanding terms for ending the war, framing them as addressing the "root causes" of the conflict—a phrase used frequently by Russian officials when referring to their security demands and accusations against NATO.
Notably, Trump has yet to post any readouts or reactions to either the Putin or Zelensky calls on his Truth Social platform—a departure from recent months in which the social media site has served as a de facto outlet for the White House’s public messaging. The absence has fueled speculation of mounting frustration in the Trump administration over the lack of progress in peace efforts.
With weapons stockpiles dwindling and U.S. resources increasingly diverted to the Middle East and Indo-Pacific, officials in Washington and Kiev are growing concerned that American military support for Ukraine may be waning—potentially shifting the burden onto Europe and signaling a new phase in the war.