Putin Briefs Trump on Battlefield Situation, Trump Says Will Continue Mediating in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

According to Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov, Putin briefed Trump on the actual situation on the battlefield, noting that the Russian armed forces are steadily advancing along the entire front line, successively liberating populated areas. Ushakov stated that European countries are acting based on a mistaken perception of the overall situation and the actual state of the contact line. He said Ukraine and its European backers are betting on prolonging and escalating the conflict, including through terrorist acts against civilians. Ushakov noted that the liberation of Kostiantynivka is an important stage in the liberation of the entire territory of the Donetsk People's Republic, and that the Russian army will overcome Ukraine's remaining fortified areas, regardless of how stubbornly the Kyiv regime defends them. Trump reiterated his willingness to help facilitate an end to the hostilities as soon as possible and resolve the crisis through peaceful means. Trump stated that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are prepared to travel to Moscow at an appropriate time to continue mediation efforts.