Trump and Zelenskiy Discuss Ceasefire as Russia-Ukraine War Escalates

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have agreed to collaborate on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, following a "fantastic" phone call, according to the White House. Zelenskiy thanked Trump for U.S. support and requested additional air defense systems. Trump pledged to help locate the necessary military equipment in Europe.

Trump briefed Zelenskiy on his recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which Putin rejected a proposed 30-day ceasefire but agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, tensions remained high, with both sides accusing each other of continued strikes. Ukraine reportedly hit a Russian oil depot, while Russia targeted hospitals, homes, and railway power systems.

Despite ongoing attacks, a prisoner exchange was carried out, with each side releasing 175 troops, and Moscow freeing 22 additional wounded Ukrainians as a goodwill gesture. Zelenskiy confirmed Ukraine’s willingness to halt strikes on Russian infrastructure and accept a ceasefire. He emphasized that Kyiv would not recognize Russian-occupied territories and called on the U.S. to oversee any truce.

The Kremlin stated it had canceled planned attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, but accused Kyiv of attempting to sabotage peace efforts. Trump suggested U.S. involvement in managing Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, particularly the Zaporizhzhia plant, currently under Russian control. Discussions have reportedly begun on restoring the plant with U.S. assistance.

Trump’s diplomatic outreach has raised concerns among European leaders, who remain skeptical of Russia’s commitment to peace. Germany's defense minister warned that Putin’s actions suggest he is playing a strategic game, while the EU is preparing a proposal to send Ukraine two million rounds of artillery ammunition. The situation remains fluid, with both sides escalating attacks despite ongoing peace talks.