President Donald Trump held a lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, discussing the conflict in Ukraine ahead of an upcoming NATO summit. During the call, relayed by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Putin stated that Russian troops are making steady progress and taking control of areas on the battlefield. Russia separately claimed its forces had seized the key city of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his military denied the assertion, insisting they still hold the city. Trump, who also spoke with Zelensky, reaffirmed his willingness to mediate a resolution. The exchange underscores the competing narratives around territorial gains as diplomatic efforts continue, with both sides maintaining irreconcilable conditions for peace.