Trump, Zelenskyy Engage in ‘Productive’ Talks After Unfruitful Putin Call

Trump, After ‘Disappointing’ Putin Call, Describes Zelenskyy Talks as ‘Productive.’

U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a day after expressing frustration over his “disappointing” call with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine war. “I’m very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin,” Trump said. “I don’t think he’s looking to stop the war, and that’s too bad.”

Positive Signals from Kyiv
In contrast, Trump’s call with Zelenskyy was described as “important and productive” by Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office. The conversation comes at a critical time, as the U.S. has paused certain weapons shipments to Ukraine, including Patriot missile systems and precision-guided munitions, citing low stockpiles.

Trump defended the decision, blaming what he called excessive military exports under the Biden administration.
“We’ve given so many weapons. Biden emptied out our whole country. We have to make sure we have enough for ourselves,” he said.

No Progress with Russia
Trump’s recent conversation with Putin was the sixth such exchange since Trump’s return to office in January. According to the Kremlin, Putin expressed a willingness to pursue a political solution but reaffirmed Russia’s stance that NATO expansion and Western support for Kyiv were the core causes of the conflict.

Hours after the call, Russian drone strikes hit a suburb of Kyiv, while shelling in eastern Ukraine reportedly killed at least five people.

When asked if the conversation brought the two sides closer to ending the war, Trump responded bluntly: “No, I didn’t make any progress with him at all.”

U.S. Engagement Continues
Despite frustrations with both Moscow and Kyiv, Trump reiterated the United States’ ongoing involvement with Ukraine. “We’re still working with them,” he said, underscoring Washington’s commitment to diplomatic engagement even amid rising tensions.