• U.S. President Trump spoke with both Ukraine's Zelensky and Russia's Putin on his 80th birthday.
• Zelensky discussed peace efforts and Ukraine's strengthened position in the conflict.
• Putin reiterated his refusal to meet Zelensky unless he comes to Moscow.
• The war in Ukraine and ongoing hostilities are key topics ahead of the G7 summit.
• Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia continue amid diplomatic negotiations.

On his 80th birthday, U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in phone conversations with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the ongoing war in Ukraine ahead of the G7 summit. Trump emphasized his readiness to influence European allies and Kyiv towards ending hostilities during his talks with Putin, according to South China Morning Post and CBS News.

Zelensky expressed gratitude for Trump's continued support for Ukraine and discussed potential avenues to bring peace closer, reflecting on recent improvements in Ukraine's military position. "We agreed to discuss more during our meeting at the G7 summit," he stated, as he outlined positive outcomes from their conversation, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

During the call with Trump, Putin dismissed suggestions that Ukrainian attacks on civilian targets would influence Ukraine’s battlefield position, reportedly stating that if Zelensky wishes to meet, he should travel to Moscow. Trump's call reportedly lasted just under an hour, during which he discussed the potential for improving U.S.-Russian relations contingent on resolving the conflict, according to CBS News and Reuters.

The diplomatic exchanges occurred amidst continued fighting in Ukraine, with reports of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russian civilian infrastructure, which resulted in casualties. Such actions are seen as part of Ukraine's strategy to undermine Russia's oil and gas sectors, which are critical to Moscow’s military efforts, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.