Media: Trump to hold follow-up call with Putin after meeting Zelenskyy

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to hold a follow-up conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at this week's NATO summit in Türkiye, a senior U.S. official told Reuters.

The official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, said Trump is scheduled to meet Zelenskyy on July 8 to discuss efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine before likely speaking again with Putin.

"The battlefield has clearly frozen over the last couple of months and neither side is making a lot of progress," the official said. "The president feels a real sense of urgency to try to bring this to a stop."

Trump is due to arrive in Türkiye on July 7 for the NATO summit. His first meeting will be with host President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The White House also said Trump is expected to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and hold a news conference during the visit.

According to the U.S. official, Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy will focus on "how we can end the war."

The planned talks come days after Trump held a 90-minute phone call with Putin on July 4, during which the U.S. president offered to help find a solution to the war in Ukraine, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.

In addition to discussions on Ukraine, Trump is expected to press NATO allies to increase their defence spending.

"He will deliver that message in person," the U.S. official said.

The official also said defence-related agreements worth billions of dollars are expected to be announced during the summit but did not provide further details.

The NATO summit will be held in Türkiye on July 7–8 and is expected to focus on alliance security, defence investment, and continued support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war.

By Sabina Mammadli