President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Saturday, July 4, to congratulate him on the 250th anniversary of US independence and to discuss frontline developments and diplomatic efforts to end the war. Agreement to meet at Ankara Summit The phone call was initially reported by Axios journalist Barak Ravid, citing a source, and was confirmed by President Zelensky in a statement on Telegram.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. During the call, Zelensky expressed gratitude for ongoing US assistance, highlighting both political backing and military aid. “We are grateful to the United States for all the assistance provided, from Javelins and Patriots to political support, and we deeply appreciate that America stands with us in defending our independence,” Zelensky stated. Ukraine’s president noted that the conversation covered the current tactical situation on the battlefield as well as ongoing diplomatic tracks. Zelensky stated that there is currently a “real perspective to end the war,” emphasizing that American decisiveness will be crucial in achieving that outcome. The two leaders agreed to continue their discussions in person during the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. To mark the anniversary, the Motherland Monument in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, was illuminated in the colors of the American flag. Shared values and the ‘American dream’ The phone call followed formal written congratulations extended by the Ukrainian leadership earlier on Saturday, emphasizing the critical role of continued American support in Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russian aggression.