Crimea Attack Kills One as Putin, Zelenskyy Hold Separate Trump Calls

One person was killed in a Ukrainian attack on Russian-occupied Crimea early Sunday, according to Moscow-installed officials. Two others were injured, one seriously. The attack targeted northern Crimea, but officials gave no further details. The strike comes as Ukraine increases attacks on key infrastructure in Crimea. Kyiv’s military aims to isolate the peninsula, which Russia seized and illegally annexed in 2014. Ukraine’s growing use of long-range strikes has put pressure on Moscow, as Russian advances on the ground have nearly stopped. The attack followed separate phone calls between U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he called Trump to congratulate him on the 250th anniversary of American independence. The two discussed the front line. Zelenskyy wrote on X that there is a “real prospect of ending this war” and that America’s determination is crucial. They agreed to meet in person at the NATO summit in Ankara. The Kremlin said Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a “constructive” call on Saturday that lasted nearly an hour and a half. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said Trump reaffirmed his readiness to help end the fighting quickly and find peaceful solutions. Trump’s envoys will continue mediation and are ready to visit Moscow. Ushakov said Putin emphasized Russia’s preference for a diplomatic settlement, but only if its “fundamental positions” are respected. Putin accused Ukraine and its European allies of trying to prolong the war. He also told Trump that Russian forces are advancing and recently captured the Ukrainian stronghold of Kostyantynivka. Kyiv denies that claim.