Zelensky and Trump Discuss Path to Peace

In a significant development, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a productive one-hour phone call, which both leaders described as positive and constructive. The call took place a day after Trump’s discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin and centered on key topics related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to Trump, the conversation was a “very good” exchange, aimed at aligning Ukraine and Russia on their respective needs and requests. Zelensky described their discussion as positive while using the terms frank and very substantive to describe the conversation.

Zelensky expressed optimism about the future, stating that with American support and President Trump’s leadership, lasting peace could be achieved within the year. Through his social media account on X Zelensky expressed hope that America and President Trump under U.S. leadership would establish lasting peace this year.

The discussion also touched on the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, which is currently held by Russian forces. Zelensky admitted that it could take more than two years to make the plant operational again, but emphasized its importance for both Ukraine and Europe.

Zelensky highlighted that a partial ceasefire, brokered by Washington and Kyiv, could be established quickly, focusing on halting strikes on critical energy infrastructure, railways, and ports. However, he made it clear that Ukraine would retaliate if Moscow violated the terms of any ceasefire agreement. The Ukrainian president Zelensky stated “I understand that everything will fly until we reach agreement (with Russia) and secure a corresponding document for a partial ceasefire,” when referring to the war’s dynamics with missile attacks underway.

The potential for a ceasefire has been a central topic in diplomatic talks, with both Zelensky and Putin agreeing to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. However, the situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of continued attacks.

Trump’s phone call with Zelensky also included discussions about air defense systems for Ukraine, particularly in Europe, as well as the sharing of critical information between the defense staffs of the US and Ukraine. In a conversation with media outlet X Zelensky listened while Trump proposed that the United States should take control of Ukraine’s power grid since he thought it would be the most effective way to protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

The cordial nature of the conversation stands in stark contrast to the tense exchanges during Zelensky’s visit to the White House in February. Following that visit, the US temporarily suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. However, relations have since improved, and on March 11, the US and Ukraine reached an agreement on a ceasefire.

Despite efforts for peace, both sides have continued to carry out military actions. In a recent exchange, Ukraine and Russia released 175 prisoners of war (POWs) each, with Zelensky calling it “one of the largest” swaps to date. The exchange also included an additional 22 severely wounded Russian soldiers.

While challenges remain, both Zelensky and Trump continue to push for peace, working towards a broader ceasefire that could ultimately end the war. As Trump prepares for future diplomatic talks, the situation in Ukraine remains fluid, with the potential for significant shifts in the coming months.