Volodymyr Zelensky has hailed the “real prospect” of ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict following a phone call with Donald Trump.
Writing on X, Mr Zelensky said the two leaders discussed the situation along the front line, adding America’s “determination will be crucial”.
“We agreed to continue the conversation in person during the NATO summit in Ankara,” the Ukrainian president wrote on social media.
It comes as the Kremlin said that Vladimir Putin and the US president discussed the conflict in Ukraine in a “constructive” phone call on Saturday.
Mr Trump is reported to have held a 90-minute call with Russian president in which he offered to help the leader find a solution to the war with Ukraine.
Meanwhile, St Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region was struck by a large Ukrainian drone attack overnight on Saturday, with a local port and oil infrastructure hit, Russian and Ukrainian authorities have said.
An oil terminal was struck in Russia’s second city, home to six million, although St Petersburg’s governor Alexander Beglov said there were no casualties.
Key Points
- Zelensky hails 'real prospect' of ending conflict after Trump phone call
- Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg oil terminal in latest long-range attack on Russia
- Trump and Putin shared 'hour and a half' long phone call on American independence day
- Russia proposes temporary ceasefire in key front-line Ukrainian city
- Zelensky calls bluff on Russia's claim of capturing Kostiantynivka
Zelensky hails 'real prospect' of ending conflict after Trump phone call
09:51 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Trump on ending the war.
Writing on X, Zelensky said he called to congratulate Trump to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and that the two leaders discussed the situation along the front line.
“There is a real prospect of ending this war, and America’s determination will be crucial. We agreed to continue the conversation in person during the NATO summit in Ankara,” he said late Saturday.
The Kremlin said that Putin and Trump discussed the conflict in Ukraine in a “constructive” phone call on Saturday.
I have congratulated President Trump @POTUS and all Americans on the Independence Day. We’ve had a very good phone call.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 4, 2026
We are grateful to the United States for all the assistance we have received – from Javelins and Patriots to political support – and we deeply value that… pic.twitter.com/FKAPdpvnSN
Russia may have used AI to exaggerate claims of Kostyantynivka capture: ISW
09:00 , Vishwam Sankaran
Russia's ministry of defence has published at least 10 different videos of Russian military men planting flags in different parts of Kostyantynivka, and some of these may have been videos altered using artificial intelligence, according to analysis by the Institute for the Study of War.
"The Russian MoD, along with other sources propagating possible AI-altered footage, continues engaging in a sophisticated cognitive warfare effort," ISW mentions in its latest update.
The videos appear to be a part of the Kremlin’s systematic effort to aggrandise its claims of Russian advances.
Ukraine has vehemently denied Russia's claims that it captured the eastern Ukrainian city.
"Of course, this is not true – it is simply yet another Russian lie designed to generate some sort of news," Zelensky said on a call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
"If Kostiantynivka were currently under Russian control, then surely Putin would have no problem meeting me there and finding diplomatic solutions to finally end the war," he said.
Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg oil terminal in latest long-range attack on Russia
08:49 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A Ukrainian drone attack struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg on Saturday, Russian officials said, as Kyiv presses on with bombardment of Russia’s oil infrastructure.
Almost daily long-range attacks on Russian oil facilities have created a fuel crisis and heaped political pressure on the Kremlin as its all-out invasion of Ukraine stretches into its fifth year.
Gov. Alexander Beglov said the city’s Kirovsky district on the Baltic Sea was hit. He also said that air defenses shot down 72 Ukrainian drones across Russia's second-largest city and the surrounding region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as part of Ukraine’s “long-range sanctions” against Russia. He said that Ukrainian forces also hit a military target on the island of Kronstadt, just off the coast of St. Petersburg.
“The Ukrainian defense forces hit the port oil infrastructure, which earns money for the Russian war, and there were also hits on Kronstadt — an important military target,” he said in a post on Telegram.
Crimea faces blackout as Ukraine strikes power stations in occupied territory
08:30 , Vishwam Sankaran
Ukraine struck several energy substations in Russian-occupied Crimea, causing a blackout across the entire peninsular region.
A blackout was reported throughout Crimea due to strikes on energy infrastructure, pro-Ukrainian channel Crimean Wind reported.
The strikes are part of an ongoing attempt by Kyiv to hit military infrastructure deep within Russia and occupied territories.
This is aimed at diminishing Moscow's ability to continue waging its war.
Zelensky calls bluff on Russia's claim of capturing Kostiantynivka
07:30 , Vishwam Sankaran
The Ukrainian president called a bluff on Moscow's claim of capturing the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka, calling it "another Russian lie".
General Valery Gerasimov, the chief of Russia's General Staff, said on Thursday that Kostiantynivka had fallen under Russian control, but Ukraine's general staff categorically denied the claim.
"Of course, this is not true – it is simply yet another Russian lie designed to generate some sort of news," Zelensky said yesterday about Russia's claims on a call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
"If Kostiantynivka were currently under Russian control, then surely Putin would have no problem meeting me there and finding diplomatic solutions to finally end the war," the Ukrainian president said.
Ukraine releases footage of its drone destroying Russian fighter jet in Crimea
07:09 , Vishwam Sankaran
Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) released a new video yesterday, showing drone attacking the Belbek airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea and "destroying" a MiG-29 fighter aircraft.
The video shared on Telegram was taken during a night raid on 25 June, HUR said.
Ukraine claims the losses from the drone strike "could run into tens of millions of dollars," as both the fighter jet and specialist equipment situated nearby were destroyed.
The footage was shared just hours after Ukraine took out power substations in Crimea, plunging the Russian-occupied peninsula into darkness.
Ukraine's long-range attacks on Russian oil and energy infra
07:01 , Vishwam Sankaran
Ukraine struck the St Petersburg oil terminal and the Kronstadt Naval Base in Leningrad Oblast, which is Russia's main Baltic Fleet base, causing fires at the oil terminal and the base overnight.
The drone attack is a significant blow as the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal is one of the largest petroleum transhipment terminals in the Baltic region, with a design capacity of 12.5 million tons of petroleum per year.
Russia uses the naval base for warship repair and maintenance and for controlling the sea approaches to St. Petersburg.
Footage published yesterday shows fire and smoke at the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal after Ukrainian drone attacks.
The strikes may have reduced the Russian oil refining industry to over 40 per cent of its capacity, Ukraine's military said.
In video: Ukraine's drone attacks on Russia's refineries
06:30 , Vishwam Sankaran
Zelensky meets wounded soldiers in Odesa
06:00 , Vishwam Sankaran
The Ukrainian president visited a medical facility in Odesa and met wounded soldiers and veterans there yesterday.
"It is good to see you. Thank you for your service, for defending our country, and for your courage. We are proud of you and wish you a speedy recovery," Zelensky said
He also met veterans and graduates of Ukraine's Superhumans rehabilitation center in Odesa.
"I'm often asked – by foreign journalists and by our partners – how Ukraine does it. How, despite all strikes and all the horrible pain, Ukrainians can keep going, refuse to give up, and remain so resilient. One of the answers is you and your example," the Ukrainian president said.
In video: Ukraine denies Kostiantynivka is under Russian control
05:30 , Vishwam Sankaran
Russia proposes temporary ceasefire in key front-line Ukrainian city
05:00 , Vishwam Sankaran
Russia has proposed a temporary ceasefire lasting about 6 hours on Monday in the front-line city of Kostiantynivka, which it previously claimed was captured by Moscow's troops.
The Russian defence ministry proposed the ceasefire from 12pm to 6pm tomorrow to facilitate the handover of fallen Ukrainian service members' bodies.
Kremlin said Ukraine must notify the Russian military of its decision by noon today Moscow time.
Russia claimed yesterday that the Donetsk Oblast city of Kostiantynivka was under Russian control.
But Ukraine has categorically denied Russia's claim of capturing Kostiantynivka, calling it false.
Netherlands to host tribunal to prosecute Russia
04:30 , Vishwam Sankaran
Netherlands said yesterday that it would host a special tribunal to prosecute Russia's leadership for launching the invasion of Ukraine.
Since there are currently no global legal entities authorised to prosecute what's called a "crime of aggression" for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a dedicated tribunal needs to be organised for it.
The Russian aggression against Ukraine cannot go unpunished. That is why we need to establish a special tribunal to prosecute those responsible for this aggression. The Dutch government decided today that the Netherlands is willing to serve as the host country—including for the… pic.twitter.com/iBJVi0oIC4
— Rob Jetten (@MinPres) July 3, 2026
"The Russian aggression against Ukraine cannot go unpunished. That is why we need to establish a special tribunal," the Dutch prime minister Rob Jetten posted on X after a call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
He confirmed that the Netherlands will serve as the host country for the special tribunal.
Zelensky thanks Trump on US Independence Day
03:53 , Vishwam Sankaran
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with US president Donald Trump yesterday, congratulating him on America's 250th year of independence.
The two also discussed the battlefield situation and efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine.
"We are grateful to the United States for all the assistance provided, from Javelins and Patriots to political support," Zelensky wrote.
Ukraine appreciates that "America stand with us in defending our independence", he said.
Discussing the current situation on the front line, the Ukrainian president said there is a "real opportunity to end this war", adding that "America's determination will be decisive".
"Thank you, America! Thank you, Mr. President!" he wrote, wishing the US "continued prosperity and every success" on its Independence Day.
Watch: Swimmers flee as Russian missile strikes Ukraine indoor pool
02:00 , Maira Butt
Putin has admitted Russia is facing problems in Ukraine war – are there signs he may be cracking?
01:00 , Maira Butt
When Vladimir Putin spoke to a state TV reporter, few expected him to make such a frank admission about his flagging invasion in Ukraine.
Speaking just hours after Ukraine hit another oil refinery in the southern Krasnodar region, Putin said that Russia was facing “problems” due to repeated attacks on infrastructure that have sparked fuel shortages across the country.
Ukraine has intensified strikes on refineries, depots and supply routes in recent months as part of an audacious strategy using cutting-edge long-range drones. Queues have been seen at petrol stations across Russia, while fuel rationing has been implemented in regions including occupied Crimea and Siberia.
Putin has admitted Russia is facing issues in Ukraine war – is he cracking?
Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg oil terminal in latest long-range attack on Russia
Sunday 5 July 2026 00:01 , Maira Butt
A Ukrainian drone attack struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg on Saturday, Russian officials said, as Kyiv presses on with bombardment of Russia’s oil infrastructure.
Almost daily long-range attacks on Russian oil facilities have created a fuel crisis and heaped political pressure on the Kremlin as its all-out invasion of Ukraine stretches into its fifth year.
Gov. Alexander Beglov said the city’s Kirovsky district on the Baltic Sea was hit. He also said that air defenses shot down 72 Ukrainian drones across Russia's second-largest city and the surrounding region.
Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg oil terminal in latest long-range attack on Russia
Trump and Putin shared 'hour and a half' long phone call on American independence day
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:15 , Maira Butt
Axios is reporting that President Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin shared a lengthy phone call as America celebrated 250 years of independence.
Putin is reported to have congratulated the US leader on the anniversary. The Kremlin said that the call lasted an hour and a half.
It comes as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is also reported to have shared a phone call with Trump on the occasion.
Russia plotting attack on Poland to test Nato’s resolve, US claims
Saturday 4 July 2026 23:00 , Maira Butt
The US has warned Warsaw that Russia is planning an armed “provocation” against Poland to test Nato’s resolve, according to reports.
The assault could see Poland’s vital infrastructure targeted by missiles or drones, or even Russian soldiers crossing the border into Nato territory, Washington has said.
Sources close to Polish president Karol Nawrocki told Polish outlet Onet that the aim of Moscow’s possible assault, which could be launched in a matter of months, would be to provoke tensions and pressure Ukraine’s Western allies to suspend their military and financial aid.
Russia plotting attack on Poland to test Nato’s resolve, US claims
Watch: Ukrainian drone hit oil terminal in Russia's St. Petersburg in footage shared by Zelensky
Saturday 4 July 2026 22:00 , Maira Butt
Zelensky says he has agreed to continue Trump conversation at Nato summit
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:30 , Maira Butt
President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that he has agreed to continue conversations with President Donald Trump at the Nato summit next week.
US-brokered discussions between Russia and Ukraine were largely called to a halt when the US and Israel attacked Iran in February earlier this year.
The Ukrainian leader added that he had spoken to the president on the 4th July and said that US “decisiveness” could help bring an end to the war with Russia.
Special dispatch: Ukrainians defiant after Russia ‘unleashes hell’ on Kyiv, with deadly strikes killing 30
Saturday 4 July 2026 21:00 , Maira Butt
We will rise up and rebuild,” was the defiant message from Ukrainians after Russia unleashed one of the biggest attacks of the war on the capital Kyiv, leaving at least 30 dead, 91 hurt and 130 buildings damaged.
The EU ambassador to Ukraine said that “Russia unleashed hell on Kyiv” in the overnight attack, with 74 missiles and 496 drones launched, according to the Ukrainian air force. Foreign minister Andrii Sybiha described the assault as a “night of horror”.
The attack caused the widest destruction in Kyiv so far this year, and was the deadliest since at least May, when 24 people were killed in a strike that brought down an apartment block. Footage and images from the city showed widespread destruction as residents were left picking up the pieces.
Tom Watling reports:
Ukrainians defiant after Russia ‘unleashes hell’ on Kyiv with deadly strikes
In pictures: French volunteers support troops in Ukraine
Saturday 4 July 2026 20:00 , Maira Butt
