Key facts
- U.S. President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine.
- Trump's comments followed a deadly Russian aerial attack on Kyiv.
- Trump believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also wants the war to end.
- Discussions on ending the war are anticipated at the upcoming NATO summit.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on July 6, 2026, that Russian President Vladimir Putin desires to conclude the war in Ukraine. Trump's remarks came after Russia launched a significant aerial assault on Kyiv, which resulted in at least 26 fatalities, occurring two days after a phone call between Trump and Putin. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump responded to a question about Putin not feeling pressure following their call, stating, "I think he does feel pressure. He wants to end it." He added, "We're in talks and we'll see if we can get it ended." Trump expressed his belief that the conflict is closer to resolution than many people perceive, emphasizing, "And President Putin wants it to end, I will tell you that very strongly." He also indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shares this sentiment, saying, "President Zelensky actually wants it to end now." The ongoing war and efforts to achieve peace are anticipated to be a primary topic at the forthcoming NATO summit in Turkey, where Zelensky and Trump are expected to discuss strategies for ending Russia's military actions against Ukraine. "We're going to be going to NATO and we're going to be talking about it," Trump said. "I think we're going to get it ended. I think we're getting close to getting it done."