Trump Discusses Ukraine Situation with Zelensky Following Putin Call
Former US President Donald Trump has characterized his recent hour-long phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “very good.”
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated the call aimed to harmonize the “requests and needs” of both Ukraine and Russia. He further indicated that efforts toward a ceasefire are progressing.
Ceasefire Efforts and Accusations
Both President Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin have previously expressed willingness to halt attacks targeting energy infrastructure. However, both nations have since traded accusations regarding ongoing assaults.
Putin Rejects Immediate Ceasefire Proposal
Trump is advocating for a broader truce. However, during a phone call with Trump on Tuesday, Putin reportedly declined an immediate 30-day ceasefire encompassing land, air, and sea, which was supported by the US and Ukraine.
Prisoner Exchange Between Kyiv and Moscow
Separately, Kyiv and Moscow have conducted a prisoner of war exchange. Each side freed 175 captured personnel.
President Zelensky described the exchange as “one of the largest,” noting that Russia additionally released 22 “severely wounded” soldiers.
Details of Trump-Zelensky Call Emerge
Trump stated that Wednesday’s discussion with Zelensky lasted approximately one hour.
He wrote on Truth Social, “Much of the discussion was based on the call made yesterday with President Putin in order to align both Russia and Ukraine in terms of their requests and needs.”
“We are very much on track,” he added.
US Support for Ukraine’s Air Defense
Subsequently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a more detailed statement, revealing that Trump had consented to assist Ukraine in acquiring additional air defense systems, particularly from European sources.
Rubio further mentioned that technical teams are scheduled to convene in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to explore expanding the ceasefire to the Black Sea. He conveyed that there was mutual agreement that this step could be a preliminary move towards a complete cessation of hostilities.
Trump also offered US assistance in managing Ukraine’s power plants, suggesting that US ownership would provide “optimal protection” for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, according to Rubio.
Zelensky’s Positive Assessment of Conversation
President Zelensky also offered his perspective, characterizing the conversation as “positive,” “frank,” and “very substantive.”
He stated, “We agreed that Ukraine and the United States should continue working together to achieve a real end to the war and lasting peace.”
Background: Trump-Putin Call and Ongoing Conflict
Trump engaged in a two-hour phone conversation with Putin on Tuesday, during which the Russian leader reportedly agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.
However, Putin stipulated that a comprehensive ceasefire would only be viable if military aid from Ukraine’s allies ceased – a condition previously rejected by Ukraine’s European partners.
Hours later, both Ukraine and Russia reportedly initiated attacks, with Kyiv reporting that hospitals were among the targets.
Officials in the Krasnodar region of southern Russia reported that a Ukrainian drone strike ignited a minor fire at an oil depot.