Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and US President Donald Trump engaged in a phone conversation on Sunday night regarding the ongoing situation in Ukraine, as confirmed by Downing Street.

Their discussion comes in the context of Russian escalations, including drone strikes in Kharkiv that resulted in casualties.

Mr. Trump expressed strong discontent over Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments questioning the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

During the call, Starmer provided updates on recent meetings involving the so-called 'coalition of the willing' held in Paris earlier that week, highlighting productive discussions centered on the ongoing conflict.

Both leaders concurred on the necessity of maintaining collective pressure on Putin to address the situation in Ukraine.

Recent developments in the conflict have seen Russian drone attacks targeting critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

Reports indicated that strikes occurred on a military hospital and other civilian structures in Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, resulting in two fatalities and numerous injuries.

In an interview with NBC News, President Trump criticized President Putin for undermining President Zelensky's legitimacy.

Trump indicated he might consider implementing secondary sanctions on Russian oil amidst ongoing tensions.

His remarks reflect concerns among Western allies that President Zelensky, whose presidential term expired last year, may face challenges in fulfilling his duties with elections currently suspended due to martial law.

Amid these developments, Trump has previously suggested a willingness to relax US sanctions on Russia if progress is made in peace talks to resolve the conflict.

His latest remarks signal a potential shift in his rhetorical stance towards Putin, despite Trump maintaining that he still enjoys a good relationship with the Russian leader.

Furthermore, Trump cautioned Zelensky against abandoning a proposed mineral deal with the United States.

This deal involves access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals, with Trump stating, 'If he does that, he’s got some problems.

Big, big problems.' The Ukrainian president has raised concerns regarding changing terms of the deal, particularly as it pertains to military aid from the US.

In addition to discussions on Ukraine, Starmer and Trump addressed possibilities for a new UK-US economic deal.

Trump also conveyed his best wishes to King Charles III, who recently experienced temporary health issues following cancer treatment.