Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, 14 June about efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine, as world leaders prepare to gather for the G7 summit in France.
Writing on Telegram, Zelenskyy said he also wished Trump a happy 80th birthday and thanked the United States for its support since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
"I wished President Trump every success, first and foremost in his efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.
The conversation came ahead of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, where leaders are expected to discuss the war in Ukraine during meetings on Tuesday.
Zelenskyy said he and Trump discussed the positions of international partners and explored ideas that could help move peace efforts forward.
"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 said.
"We have some good ideas that could help bring peace closer."
Efforts led by Washington to broker a path towards ending the war have slowed in recent weeks as the U.S. administration has focused increasing attention on tensions involving Iran and the wider Middle East.
Despite that, Zelenskyy has argued that recent developments on the battlefield have improved Ukraine's position and created an opportunity to push for a peace agreement.
Earlier this month, Zelenskyy publicly called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet face-to-face in an effort to secure a ceasefire.
The proposal received backing from Britain, France and Germany after talks with the Ukrainian leader in London last weekend. The three countries said Europe would continue to play a role in efforts to end the conflict.
Putin has rejected the idea of a meeting, saying he sees no need for direct talks with Zelenskyy. The Russian leader has also maintained that Ukraine must surrender additional territory as part of any peace settlement, a demand Kyiv has repeatedly ruled out.
In his message, Zelenskyy thanked Washington for military assistance provided during the war, highlighting deliveries of Javelin anti-tank missiles and Patriot air defence systems.
Patriot batteries remain one of Ukraine's most important defences against Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Last month, Zelenskyy wrote to Trump and members of Congress requesting additional Patriot systems and interceptor missiles, arguing that stronger air defences are essential to protecting Ukrainian cities and civilians.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Kyiv is hoping support from its allies and renewed political momentum can help bring an end to a war that has entered its fifth year.
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