Leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and the US hold talks ahead of NATO summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a one-hour and 25-minute telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Saturday to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. Kremlin diplomatic advisor Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the discussion focused primarily on the situation in Ukraine ahead of the upcoming NATO summit. The NATO summit, involving representatives from 32 countries, is scheduled to take place in Ankara on July 7 and 8. The leaders also addressed international issues including the situations in Iran and the Middle East. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke with Donald Trump on Saturday. Zelensky stated via social media that they discussed the military situation on the front lines and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Both the Ukrainian and Russian sides confirmed that further discussions are expected during the NATO summit in Ankara.