Trump, Zelenskyy discuss ceasefire after Putin name, Ukraine open to ‘restricted truce’: White House

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a one-hour telephone name on Wednesday, following Trump’s dialog with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions centered on a partial ceasefire, with an settlement to halt assaults on vitality infrastructure, a step towards potential peace talks, the White House confirmed.
In a social media publish, Trump described the dialog as a “very good telephone call” and signaled progress towards aligning the 2 warring nations on their “requests and needs.”
White House: ‘We’ve by no means been nearer to peace’
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt framed the event as a breakthrough: “We have moved beyond just the economic minerals deal framework and are now looking at a lasting ceasefire. Right now, we’re at a partial ceasefire, but we have never been closer to peace than we are today.”
“But again, the President is sending his highly skilled, intelligent and experienced team to Saudi Arabia later this week to continue fighting for peace in this conflict. And I would just reiterate one more time: we have never been closer to peace than we are today,” she added.
According to a White House readout, Trump and Zelenskyy agreed on halting assaults on vitality infrastructure, a key step towards de-escalation. The subsequent section of negotiations is ready to happen in Saudi Arabia, the place technical groups will discuss increasing the ceasefire to the Black Sea as a step towards a full cessation of hostilities.
Zelenskyy: ‘Russia’s phrases alone gained’t work’
At a press convention in Helsinki, the place he met Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Zelenskyy cautiously welcomed the restricted truce however emphasised that monitoring can be essential.
“Just the assertion and the word of Putin that he will not strike energy sites is too little,” Zelenskyy mentioned. “War has made us practical people. We need monitoring, we need guarantees, and we need actions—not just promises.”
He mentioned that Ukraine would offer an inventory of crucial websites that should be protected beneath the settlement, however pressured that U.S. and European monitoring can be crucial for enforcement.
“If Russia doesn’t strike our infrastructure, we will not strike theirs. But we will not rely solely on their assurances—we need independent verification,” he added.
Trump’s help, Ukraine’s requests
During the decision, Zelenskyy requested further air protection techniques, particularly Patriot missile batteries, to shield Ukrainian cities from potential Russian strikes.
According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, Trump agreed to discover accessible choices:
“President Trump assured President Zelenskyy that he would coordinate with European partners to identify available defense systems. The focus remains on protecting civilians and ensuring Ukraine’s security while advancing toward a broader peace deal.”
Trump additionally mentioned Ukraine’s vitality infrastructure, proposing that American utility firms and experience might assist safe the nation’s energy grid.
“The United States could play a vital role in ensuring Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants are protected. American involvement would be the best safeguard against future threats,” Trump reportedly informed Zelenskyy, in accordance to a White House official.
Putin’s ceasefire situations increase issues
While Putin agreed to a ceasefire on vitality infrastructure, he has demanded that Ukraine halt all international army and intelligence cooperation earlier than broader talks start—a situation that Zelenskyy has rejected outright.
“For us, a red line is the recognition of Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories as Russian,” Zelenskyy acknowledged. “We will not agree to that. Ukraine is willing to discuss peace, but we will not surrender our sovereignty.”
European leaders reacted cautiously to the developments, with Finnish President Alexander Stubb stating:
“It’s a yes or a no. No buts, no conditions. Ukraine accepted a ceasefire without any form of conditions. If Russia refuses to agree, we need to increase our efforts to strengthen Ukraine and ratchet up pressure on Russia.”
Saudi Arabia to host subsequent spherical of talks
The subsequent section of negotiations will happen in Saudi Arabia, the place U.S., Ukrainian, Russian, and European officers will discuss broadening the ceasefire to the Black Sea and different strategic areas.
Ukraine had initially agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, which might have lined land, air, and sea operations, however Russia solely dedicated to halting assaults on vitality services.
Trump is positioning the Saudi negotiations as a vital step towards lasting peace, however questions stay over Russia’s sincerity and willingness to compromise.