Description: In their sixth phone call conversation the Russian and American presidents failed to make headway on any global issues that both countries are involved in. Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, stated that the presidents talked in length over an hour regarding the war in Ukraine and discussed the most recent developments regarding Iran. Trump, addressing the media directly, stated that he was deeply disappointed by Putin’s unchanged position on the war and his rejection of engaging in diplomatic efforts for resolving the conflict. Ushakov also added that Putin was ready to engage in negotiations but only with Ukraine and without mediators, as the main discrepancies surrounding the so – called root causes of the war haven’t been surpassed. Trump also mentioned the US Department of Defense cessation of military aid to Ukraine and stated that his country hasn’t stopped providing weapons, however, an overview was necessary to protect US national interests. Trump and Zelenskyy are set to talk on Friday, 04 Jul, regarding the weapons supplies issue.
Impact: Russia continues to outflank the US diplomatically, with Putin retaining to his maximalist demands as a precondition in engaging into negotiations with Ukraine or the US. Recent developments in the war signaled substantial Russian advances in the Sumy, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions with significant Russian military buildup across the border and additional support from North Korea. Zelenskyy attending Denmark’s inauguration as EU’s latest president, stated that his country would follow suit with the US position on the war and devise other streamlines of military and weapons aid. The situation for Ukraine is dire as the country would be solely dependent on Europe’s uncoordinated efforts to facilitate military aid which has been constantly hampered by internal political divisions and independent national priorities. Following the conversation, Trump’s position might change and adjust more towards supporting Ukraine as an evident resolution to the war still remains elusive.