On 13 June 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President Donald Trump on his 80th birthday during a phone call, according to Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s aide. This marked the 13th such conversation between the two leaders since Trump's re-election as president of the United States. The last time they spoke was on 29 April 2025. According to Ushakov, the call lasted about 55 minutes, and Putin expressed his congratulations in a “casual” manner. During the call, Putin described Trump as a “brilliant, excellent person and politician,” suggesting that relations between their countries could reach a new level. Putin emphasized the importance of mutual understanding, which allows open and honest discussions even on the most complex issues on bilateral and international agendas. He also stated that he believes both nations can work together to give Russia-US relations a new dimension and ensure global security and stability.
The same day, Trump had a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussing diplomacy and peace in Ukraine. According to Zelensky’s communications advisor, Dmitro Litvin, the conversation lasted between 30 and 35 minutes and was substantial. Litvin noted that the discussion covered a range of topics, including diplomatic efforts and possibilities for achieving peace in Ukraine. Details of the conversation were expected to be published later. The call took place on the day Trump celebrated his 80th birthday, as noted by Ukrainian media.
In addition to these calls, European leaders were preparing for the upcoming G7 summit in France, where they planned to discuss potential initiatives for new peace talks between Russia and Ukraine with Trump. According to Ukrainian sources, the issue of further diplomatic initiatives to end the conflict in Ukraine would be one of the more important topics of the conversations between European allies and the American administration.
Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced plans to meet soon with Putin, emphasizing the need for coordination on matters affecting both countries. During a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who was visiting Minsk, Lukashenko stated that Belarus is always prepared for war to prevent it from happening, unlike the United States, which has a ministry of war. He added that Belarus and Russia are moving along their chosen path, regardless of the noise raised in the West. Lukashenko also mentioned that Belarus is not a global power like Russia or China but wants advice on how to continue developing its foreign policy.
Lukashenko also addressed recent developments involving the so-called “Eurotroika” (Germany, France, and the United Kingdom), which issued a five-point ultimatum. He criticized this approach as unacceptable and suggested that if Russian forces succeed in encircling the northern part of Donetsk, the days of Ukrainian armed forces would be numbered. He claimed that Russian forces are more successful on the battlefield than Ukrainian troops and proposed a gradual elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide. He also noted that Belarus’s nuclear materials are under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Zelensky, meanwhile, visited the damaged Kiev-Pechersk Monastery, a 11th-century Orthodox holy site that was set on fire and damaged in a Russian air strike on Kyiv. He warned that the attack was not accidental, as Putin had just congratulated Trump on his birthday and then launched a massive attack on Ukraine. Zelensky accused Putin of cynically congratulating the US president before initiating the assault, noting that the timing was suspicious. He emphasized that Russia had been gathering rockets and had the necessary strength to launch the attack after Trump’s birthday, otherwise Trump might have raised the issue of mass strikes.
Zelensky also issued a dramatic warning to Ukrainians, stating that Putin is becoming weak politically, militarily, and physically, and could intensify attacks using missiles and drones. He urged citizens to use shelters and emphasized the importance of Europe fully engaging in sanctions and funding Ukraine. He noted that Ukraine is ready for peace negotiations despite everything, but stressed that Europe must fully commit to sanctions without exceptions and support Ukraine financially.
Following these events, the Kremlin responded to Zelensky’s ultimatum regarding Belarus, stating that it is aggressive and represents interference in the internal affairs of another country. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Putin and Lukashenko will discuss Zelensky’s statements in the near future. Peskov condemned the ultimatum, accusing Zelensky and Ukraine of threatening Belarus’s sovereignty.
As tensions continued to rise, the situation in Ukraine remained volatile, with ongoing conflicts and diplomatic challenges. The international community watched closely as the situation unfolded, with hopes for a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
14 reports
N1 SrbijaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8522 days agoRussian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President Donald Trump on his birthday, calling him a 'brilliant and outstanding person and politician.' The two leaders spoke for 55 minutes by phone, according to Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov. Putin emphasized mutual understanding between their countries and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States could give their relations a new dimension while ensuring global security and stability. Their last meeting was in August 2025 in Alaska, where both pledged to quickly reach an agreement to end the war caused by Russia's invasion of U
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral account of diplomatic communication between two world leaders without overtly favoring either side. It quotes directly from official sources (Kremlin statements via Reuters) and does not include subjective commentary or biased framing.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): This is a factual report about Putin congratulating Trump on his birthday. It presents the event objectively without taking sides or adding interpretations.
Večernje novostiParty-alignedCenterFactual 90Objective 8522 days agoRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Minsk today for a working visit, where he will meet with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhkov.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral summary of an international diplomatic meeting without editorializing, biased language, or one-sided sourcing. It simply reports the facts of Lavrov's visit and the planned meetings.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): This is a straightforward news report about Lavrov's visit to Belarus with no clear bias or unsubstantiated claims. It simply states the facts of the diplomatic visit.
Večernje novostiParty-alignedCenterFactual 90Objective 8522 days ago PUTIN AND TRUMP HAD A PHONE CONVERSATION: Vladimir congratulated Donald on his 80th birthdayRussian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President Donald Trump on his 80th birthday during a phone call, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov. This marks the 13th phone conversation between the two leaders since Trump's re-election as US president, with their last call occurring on April 29.
Bias read (Center): The article reports a neutral fact — a phone call between two world leaders — without editorializing, biased language, or one-sided sourcing. It provides only official information from the Russian side and does not present any contrasting perspectives or context.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): This is a direct news report about the phone conversation between Putin and Trump. It presents the facts without any apparent bias or interpretation.
RepublikaParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 7022 days agoRussian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President Donald Trump on his 80th birthday during a phone call, according to Russian President's aide Yuri Ushakov. This was the 13th phone conversation between the two leaders since Trump's re-election as US president. Trump also spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today, discussing diplomatic efforts and potential peace options in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian communications advisor Dmytro Lytvyn. The conversation lasted between 30 and 35 minutes and was described as substantive. Details of the conversation are tobe
Bias read (Center): The article reports on routine diplomatic interactions without overtly favoring any side. It includes both Russian and Ukrainian perspectives and does not use emotionally charged language or selectively omit context.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): This article provides factual details about Putin's call to Trump and mentions Zelenski's separate conversation with Trump. It remains relatively neutral but includes some interpretive elements when describing the significance of the calls.
Telegraf.rsParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 7022 days agoRussian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President Donald Trump on his 80th birthday during a phone call, according to Russian President's aide Yuri Ushakov. This marks the 13th phone conversation between the two leaders since Trump's re-election as US president. The last call between Putin and Trump was on April 29.
Bias read (Center): The article reports a factual event—Putin congratulating Trump on his birthday—without any apparent ideological framing, loaded language, or selective sourcing. It provides a neutral summary of the event and does not take a stance on the relationship between the two leaders or their policies.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article accurately reports the situation regarding Zelensky's ultimatum to Belarus but includes some biased language describing it as 'aggressive' and 'meddling.'
Večernje novostiParty-alignedConservativeFactual 80Objective 6021 days ago "WE ARE ALWAYS PREPARED FOR WAR" Lukashenko announced an urgent meeting with PutinBelarus President Alexander Lukashenko announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon. During a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Lukashenko stated that Belarus is always prepared for war to avoid it, contrasting this approach with the United States, which he claims has a 'war ministry' focused on conflict. He emphasized that Belarus and Russia are moving forward together regardless of Western reactions.
Bias read (Conservative): The article uses strong, emotionally charged language such as 'we are always preparing for war to avoid it,' which frames Belarus and Russia as proactive and defensive against perceived Western aggression. The contrast between Belarus/Russia and the US is presented in a manner that implies the West,
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 60): The article provides factual information about Lukašenko's planned meeting with Putin and his preparedness for war. However, the comparison between Russia/USA military structures shows some subjective interpretation.
Večernje novostiParty-alignedCenterFactual 80Objective 5521 days ago "Stop and Don't Let Me Go": Lukashenko brutally threatened ZelenskyBelarus President Alexander Lukashenko stated that the conflict in Ukraine could end by 2026, depending on the will of people involved. He called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to calm down and avoid provoking him. Lukashenko emphasized that military solutions are not viable for resolving conflicts, including those in Ukraine and between the US and Iran. He suggested that US President Donald Trump could stop the Middle East conflict and criticized the US for intervening in the Iran issue. Lukashenko proposed a meeting between himself, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Zelenskyy
Bias read (Center): The article presents Lukashenko's statements without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports his views directly without apparent editorializing or emphasis on one side over another.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 55): The article accurately reports Lukašenko's statements about potential resolution of the conflict and his proposal for trilateral talks. However, it uses strong language such as 'brutalno zapretio' and frames the situation with clear bias towards Lukašenko's perspective.
Večernje novostiParty-alignedCenterFactual 80Objective 5017 days ago PUTIN REMAINS WEAK, so please take advantage of the opportunity: Zelensky has sent a dramatic warning to the UkrainiansUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Ukrainians that Russian attacks could intensify, stating that Putin is becoming weak politically, militarily, and physically. He urged citizens to use shelters and emphasized that Russia has no intention of stopping its aggression, calling all of Putin's peace offers false. Zelenskyy also mentioned that Ukraine received confirmation from nine countries regarding the Priority List of Ukraine's Requests (PURL) initiative, under which NATO European members purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine worth over a billion dollars. Additionally, he called for the
Bias read (Center): The article presents Zelenskyy's warnings and statements without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It includes direct quotes from Zelenskyy and mentions international support initiatives like PURL, providing a balanced overview of his remarks.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 50): The article accurately reports Zelenski's warning about intensified attacks and the PURL initiative. However, it uses emotionally charged language like 'Putin postaje slab' and 'zaista vas molim' which introduces bias and reduces objectivity.
KurirParty-alignedProgressiveFactual 75Objective 5521 days agoUkraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the damaged Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a historic Orthodox monastery, following Russian airstrikes in Kyiv. He stated that Russia's large-scale attack on Ukraine was not coincidental, suggesting it occurred after Putin congratulated US President Donald Trump on his 80th birthday. Zelenskyy implied that Putin waited until after Trump's birthday before launching the attack, possibly to avoid triggering a response from Trump.
Bias read (Progressive): The article presents Zelenskyy's claims without counterpoints or alternative perspectives, using language that frames Russia's actions as premeditated and politically motivated. The framing emphasizes Ukrainian narratives and implies intent behind Russian actions without balanced analysis.
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 55): The article accurately reports Zelenski's visit to the damaged monastery and his comments linking the Russian attack to Trump's birthday. However, it presents Zelenski's claim as a direct accusation against Putin without sufficient contextual nuance, potentially implying causality not explicitly sta
BlicIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 5522 days agoRussian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President Donald Trump on his 80th birthday during a telephone conversation, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov.
Bias read (Center): The article reports a neutral fact about a phone call between two world leaders without any apparent framing or slant. It does not include commentary, opinion, or biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 55): The article accurately reports the phone call between Putin and Trump but includes some interpretive language like 'aggressive ultimatum' which shows some bias. The claim about the last summit in August 2025 appears incorrect.
Večernje novostiParty-alignedConservativeFactual 75Objective 5013 days ago The Kremlin responds to the latest news: An urgent meeting between Putin and Lukashenko will take place soonThe Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko plan to meet soon to discuss an ultimatum issued by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Minsk. Zelenskyy accused Belarus of aiding Russia with drones used in attacks on Ukraine and warned that if Belarus does not remove communication equipment supporting these attacks within a week, Ukraine would take measures itself. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the ultimatum as aggressive and an interference in Belarus' internal affairs, asserting that Belarus is capable of protecting its sovereignty. Zelenskyy explained that the disputed equipment consists of relay systems installed on communication towers used to support Russian drone operations. These drones, known as 'Shahed,' rely on radio communication networks and ground infrastructure for navigation during long-range attacks. During attacks on Kyiv and northern Ukraine, these drones have often been spotted near the Belarusian border before proceeding deeper into Ukrainian territory. Belarus, a close ally of Moscow, has allowed Russia to use its territory and accept the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons,但它
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the situation through the lens of the Kremlin's response, emphasizing the ultimatum as an aggression against Belarus' sovereignty while downplaying Ukraine's concerns. The language used by the Kremlin spokesperson, such as 'aggressive' and 'interference in internal affairs,' leans
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 50): The article contains emotionally charged language like 'Putin postaje slab' and 'zaista vas molim' which shows clear bias. Some details about Zelensky's warnings appear exaggerated compared to other sources.
BlicIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 5019 days ago Trump at the G7 summit asked if Putin was to blame for the war in Ukraine, here's how he responded: "Oh, they don't like each other very much . . ".Donald Trump stated during the G7 summit in France that he had good conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He mentioned his efforts to stop the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, noting that the situation has become more complex because 'they don't like each other very much.' Trump also commented on oil prices and their potential impact on additional sanctions against Russia. When asked if he believes Putin is responsible for the war in Ukraine, Trump declined to comment, stating it would complicate matters.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Trump's statements neutrally without evident framing bias. It includes direct quotes from Trump and mentions his comments on both the conflict and economic factors, without overtly favoring any side.
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 50): The article accurately reports Trump's comments but includes speculative elements like his potential sanctions decision based on oil prices. The tone shows some bias through phrases like 'tries to stop the conflict.'
Večernje novostiParty-alignedConservativeFactual 60Objective 3019 days ago The latest details revealed: This is why Russia's blitzkrieg on Kiev failed!Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko provided new insights into factors that led to significant Russian military setbacks during the early stages of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February-March 2022. He suggested that certain political figures and groups urged Putin to halt advances, withdraw forces, and conclude a peace agreement. Lukashenko mentioned the Vatican and Jewish lobby groups, possibly referring to internal Russian factions or then-Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's mediation efforts.
Bias read (Conservative): The article presents claims by Belarusian President Lukashenko, who has been critical of Western powers and Ukraine, suggesting external influences like the Vatican and Jewish lobby groups influenced Russia’s decision-making. The framing emphasizes Russian setbacks and implies external interference,
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 30): The article contains unsubstantiated claims about Vatican and Jewish lobby influencing Putin's decisions, which are not supported by other sources. The article also presents Lukašenko's statements as definitive facts without proper contextualization.
KurirParty-alignedCenterFactual 20Objective 3017 days ago Dramatic Warning to Ukrainians: "Putin is getting weak, so I really beg you to use shelters, PLEASE"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Ukrainians that Vladimir Putin is becoming weaker politically, militarily, and physically, and could intensify attacks using rockets and drones. He urged citizens to use shelters. Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine has received confirmation from nine countries regarding the Priority List of Ukraine's Requests (PURL) initiative, where NATO European members purchase American weapons for Ukraine worth over a billion dollars. The EU plans to strengthen sanctions. Zelensky also stated that Putin does not intend to stop his actions and that all his peace-nu
Bias read (Center): The article presents Zelensky's warnings and statements without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on his concerns about Putin's weakening position and calls for shelter usage, while also mentioning international support initiatives like PURL. The framing appears balanced, as
Why these scores (Factual 20 · Objective 30): This article covers diplomatic efforts to arrange meetings between Zelenski and Putin but has no connection to the gambling legislation topic. It lacks factual relevance to the primary source and maintains a somewhat neutral tone despite being off-topic.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
Serbia
