Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Sunday that he had a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding efforts to conclude the conflict that has persisted for over four years, just before the G7 summit scheduled in France this week.
In a message on Telegram, Zelenskiy extended birthday wishes to Trump on his 80th birthday and expressed gratitude for the continuous support from Washington throughout the war. He said, "I wished President Trump every success, first and foremost in his efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine."
Prior to the G7 meeting in Evian-les-Bains, where leaders are set to discuss Russia's war in Ukraine on Tuesday, Zelenskiy noted that he and Trump reviewed the stance of their international allies. He mentioned, "We talked about what could help to bring peace closer right now, and I updated the president on the latest developments on the battlefield and how our position has strengthened." He added, "We have some good ideas that could help bring peace closer."
Stalled Talks and Shifting Momentum
U.S.-brokered negotiations aimed at progressing toward an end to the war have stalled, as Washington's attention remains on the conflict in Iran. However, Zelenskiy has indicated in recent weeks that a change in battlefield momentum favoring Ukraine has created a window for a potential peace agreement.
In an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month, Zelenskiy called for direct talks to secure a ceasefire. The leaders of Britain, France, and Germany, following discussions with Zelenskiy in London last weekend, issued a statement supporting his proposal and affirming Europe's involvement.
Putin has expressed no interest in meeting Zelenskiy, asserting that Russian forces are making progress on the battlefield. He continues to demand that Ukraine cede additional territory in exchange for peace, a condition Kyiv has firmly rejected.
Military Aid and Requests
In his expression of thanks for U.S. assistance, Zelenskiy specifically highlighted the provision of Javelin anti-tank missiles and Patriot missile-defense systems. Late last month, he wrote to Trump and Congress members requesting an increase in Patriot supplies, which serve as Ukraine's only effective defense against Russian ballistic missiles.
