Trump Courts Authoritarian Leaders Zelensky and Putin Ahead of G7 Summit
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President Trump, once again prioritizing backroom deals with global power brokers, spoke separately with Ukrainian President Zelensky and Russian President Putin on June 14. The calls, which centered on the ongoing devastation in Ukraine and so-called 'peace prospects,' come as the G7 summit in France looms.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on June 14. The 30-minute call, which touched on the brutal war in Ukraine, diplomatic maneuvering, and recent developments on the battlefield, was lauded by Zelensky—who continues to rely on Western military support to resist Russian aggression. The two leaders agreed to keep discussing so-called 'peace ideas' at the upcoming G7 summit in France, a gathering often criticized for its exclusionary policies and lack of real solutions for global crises.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Yuri Ushakov reported that Trump also held a lengthy, 55-minute call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ushakov described the discussion as 'friendly in nature,' a disturbing reminder of Trump’s willingness to cozy up to authoritarian leaders. Trump reportedly emphasized the need to end hostilities, offering to pressure European partners and Kyiv during the summit—an approach that raises concerns about undermining Ukrainian sovereignty. The call also included plans for Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to visit Russia again, discussions about a potential Iran agreement, and Trump’s congratulations to Putin on the World Cup and on efforts to 'reunite' Russian and Ukrainian children—a euphemism for policies that have separated families and violated human rights.
Both calls took place on the eve of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, where Ukraine is expected to be a central topic. Trump is slated to attend the June 15-17 meeting and may meet Zelensky on the sidelines, though no formal bilateral session has been scheduled. Zelensky has previously thanked the United States for military aid, including lethal weapons like Javelin missiles and Patriot air-defense systems—further fueling the global arms trade and perpetuating cycles of violence.