In a move that has drawn widespread attention, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a lengthy phone call on Wednesday, one day after Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussion between Trump and Zelenskyy lasted approximately one hour and focused primarily on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to statements from both leaders. Trump described the call as “very good” and claimed that much of the discussion revolved around aligning the needs of both Russia and Ukraine following his conversation with Putin.
Trump had previously announced that Putin had agreed to a 30-day ceasefire targeting Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure, although it fell short of the full ceasefire that Ukraine has been seeking. Despite the supposed agreement, Russian forces launched a series of drone strikes on Ukrainian civilian areas within hours of the Trump-Putin call, damaging a hospital and heightening skepticism about the reliability of any Russian commitments.
Following his call with Zelenskyy, Trump took to Truth Social, stating, “Just completed a very good telephone call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. It lasted approximately one hour. Much of the discussion was based on the call made yesterday with President Putin to align both Russia and Ukraine in terms of their requests and needs.” While details of the call remain limited, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a joint statement asserting that Trump had briefed Zelenskyy on his discussion with Putin and that the two leaders had agreed to coordinate closely between their defense staffs as the battlefield situation evolved.
Zelenskyy, for his part, was more measured in his response, calling the conversation “positive, very substantive, and frank.” He thanked Trump for a productive discussion and for initiating cooperation between Ukrainian and American teams in Jeddah. However, he reiterated that only a complete halt to Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure could be considered a meaningful step toward peace.
The timing of this call is particularly notable, as it marks the first known conversation between Trump and Zelenskyy since their contentious Oval Office meeting last month, which reportedly ended with U.S. officials asking the Ukrainian delegation to leave the White House early. The latest exchange between the two leaders suggests an attempt to recalibrate diplomatic relations amid ongoing tensions.
One of the more controversial topics that emerged from the call was Trump’s suggestion that the United States take ownership of and oversee the operations of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. Waltz and Rubio stated that Trump proposed this as a way to protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, asserting that American control would provide a layer of security against Russian aggression. The idea is likely to face significant scrutiny, as it raises questions about Ukrainian sovereignty and the broader geopolitical implications of U.S. involvement in the country’s nuclear sector.
Despite Trump’s assurances that Putin is negotiating “in good faith,” skepticism remains high. Russian forces have continued their attacks, leading Ukrainian officials to question the validity of Putin’s purported commitment to a ceasefire. Zelenskyy did not hold back his doubts, stating, “We are skeptical when it comes to trusting the Russians. There is no trust in Putin. That’s why I am saying we need to understand how it will work technically so that it will not depend on their desire only.”
As discussions continue, technical teams from the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia are set to meet in Saudi Arabia next week to negotiate the terms of the proposed ceasefire. Waltz confirmed that he had spoken with his Russian counterpart, Yuri Ushakov and that both sides had agreed to send teams to Riyadh to expand upon the partial ceasefire Trump claims to have secured. The upcoming talks will be closely watched as stakeholders attempt to determine whether Russia is genuinely interested in de-escalation or simply using negotiations as a stalling tactic while continuing military operations.
Trump’s handling of the Ukraine conflict has generated a mixed response from the international community. While some see his direct negotiations with Putin and Zelenskyy as a proactive approach to diplomacy, others worry that his willingness to engage with the Russian leader could inadvertently legitimize ongoing Russian aggression. European allies, in particular, have expressed concern that Trump’s efforts may lead to compromises that favor Russia while undermining Ukraine’s long-term security.
With the situation rapidly evolving, the next steps in these diplomatic efforts will be crucial. Zelenskyy remains committed to defending Ukraine’s sovereignty, while Trump is positioning himself as a key negotiator in brokering peace. However, given Russia’s continued military actions, it remains unclear whether these talks will yield meaningful results or if they are merely another chapter in an ongoing cycle of conflict and diplomacy.
As the technical teams prepare for their meeting in Saudi Arabia, global attention will remain fixed on whether Trump’s approach will bring tangible progress toward peace or if the ceasefire will prove to be yet another fleeting promise in a war that has already stretched on for more than three years.