One killed in Ukrainian strike on Crimea as Putin and Zelensky hold separate calls with Trump

A Ukrainian strike on the northern part of Crimea resulted in one death and two injuries, including one serious, regional governor Sergei Aksyonov said on Telegram. The attack came as both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held separate telephone conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Zelensky told supporters on X that he called Trump to mark the United States' 250th anniversary of independence and discussed the front-line situation, saying a "real prospect of ending this war" depends on American resolve and that further talks would continue at the NATO summit in Ankara.

The Kremlin described Putin's call with Trump as "constructive," noting that foreign-affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said Putin congratulated the United States on its anniversary and that Trump reaffirmed his readiness to help achieve a quick cessation of hostilities. Ushakov added that Putin emphasized Russia's preference for a diplomatic settlement, provided its core positions are respected, while accusing Kyiv and its European allies of seeking to prolong the conflict.

During the call, Putin reportedly highlighted Russian advances, citing the capture of the Ukrainian stronghold of Kostyantynivka as a step toward liberating the Donetsk region. Ukrainian officials rejected the claim, stating the town remains under Ukrainian control.