President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a comprehensive phone conversation on Wednesday, focusing on efforts to advance peace in Ukraine. This discussion followed President Trump’s recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to align the positions of both Russia and Ukraine toward a ceasefire.
Productive Discussions and Initial Agreements
President Trump described the hour-long conversation with President Zelenskyy as “very good,” emphasizing that much of the discussion centered on aligning the requests and needs of both nations. He indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz would provide further details of the conversation.
President Zelenskyy characterized the conversation as “positive, very substantive, and frank.” He expressed gratitude for the productive start of discussions between Ukrainian and American teams in Jeddah on March 11, which have significantly advanced efforts toward ending the war.
Progress Toward Ceasefire and Infrastructure Protection
A key outcome of the talks was Ukraine’s agreement to the United States’ proposal for an unconditional ceasefire on the frontline. President Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine is prepared to implement this ceasefire, viewing it as a critical first step toward a broader peace agreement.
President Trump shared details of his earlier conversation with President Putin, during which they discussed ending strikes on Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure. According to President Zelenskyy, Ukraine fully supports this step, recognizing it as necessary to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and pave the way for formal peace talks.
Plans for Further Technical Coordination
To advance the implementation of the partial ceasefire and facilitate future agreements, Ukrainian and American teams are preparing to meet again in Saudi Arabia in the coming days. President Zelenskyy noted that technical issues related to enforcing and expanding the ceasefire would be addressed during these upcoming meetings.
Addressing Key Humanitarian Concerns
During the call, President Zelenskyy provided updates on the battlefield situation and the consequences of Russian strikes, particularly in the Kursk region. He raised concerns about the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war and children who were forcibly taken by Russian forces. Additionally, the leaders discussed Ukraine’s air defense needs and the possibility of strengthening those systems to protect civilian lives.
Commitment to Lasting Peace and Continued Collaboration
Both leaders agreed that lasting peace can be achieved through continued U.S.-Ukraine collaboration and under American leadership. President Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to peace and expressed gratitude for America’s unwavering support.
Next Steps and High-Level Engagement
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular contact at the highest levels and through their respective teams. They tasked their advisors and representatives with continuing their work on advancing all necessary aspects of a comprehensive peace agreement.
With diplomatic momentum building and early agreements on critical steps such as a ceasefire and infrastructure protection, both sides expressed optimism that a lasting peace could be achieved this year. Further high-level meetings and technical coordination are expected in the coming weeks, with Saudi Arabia serving as the next venue for dialogue.
Russia’s Position Following Trump-Putin Call
Following President Trump’s call with President Putin, Russia agreed to a 30-day halt in attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, reports indicate that Russian airstrikes have continued in Ukraine, targeting regions such as Sumy and Donetsk. These actions have raised concerns about Russia’s commitment to the proposed halt on energy infrastructure attacks.
Despite these challenges, U.S. and Russian officials are set to meet in Riyadh to discuss expanding the ceasefire agreement. Both sides continue to operate with caution, acknowledging the complexities involved in securing a lasting peace.
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