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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his support for an 'energy and infrastructure truce' with Russia but seeks further input from the President Donald Trump first.
"I am counting on engaging in a discussion with President Trump. We will delve into the specifics of the situation. We have consistently backed the cease-fire stance and agreed not to target any weaponry at the energy facilities," Zelensky informed journalists during an online press conference.
However, he mentioned that he would wait to provide his definitive response until after having a conversation with Trump.
"Once we receive the specifics from the U.S. president and the American side, we will provide our response," he stated.
Zelensky and Trump have not communicated since their disagreement in the Oval Office towards the end of February. They had a heated argument regarding the conflict with Russia, during which Trump accused Zelensky of lacking sufficient gratitude toward the U.S.
Other global leaders showed guarded hope regarding the agreement, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer .
A Downing Street A spokesperson stated: "We appreciate the advancements President Trump has achieved toward a ceasefire and in discussions between Russia and Ukraine."
This procedure should culminate in a fair and enduring peace for Ukraine.
We will support Ukraine for however long it takes to make sure Russia cannot initiate an unlawful invasion ever again.
Zelensky did not take part in Trump's discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin On Tuesday, both leaders proceeded with the initial moves to bring an end to the conflict partial ceasefire agreement that will be in effect for 30 days.
Talks for a permanent peace will 'begin immediately' in the Middle East although Putin told Trump that he has several conditions he wants met in order for the fighting to end.
The leaders concurred that the push toward peace would commence with a halt to hostilities involving energy resources and infrastructure, along with detailed discussions on executing a naval ceasefire in the Black Sea. They also discussed achieving a comprehensive and lasting cessation of all conflicts for enduring peace. The initial talks are set to start right away in the Middle East, according to the statement. White House as stated in the readout of the conversation.
The White House release also included an important clue suggesting a shift in the Middle East: a declaration of backing. Israel over Iran .
'The two leaders shared the view "That Iran must never be allowed to have the capability to_destroy_Israel,"_the_readout_stated._
This suggested the possibility of a coming change in the global balance where Moscow might become more reserved in backing Tehran, an alliance that has lasted for years.
'The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts,' the White House said. The U.S. has hosted separate talks with Ukraine and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia .
Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran for its support of the Houthis and demanded it end its nuclear program. If he can foster a closer relationship between Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , he believed this move could mark the beginning of the disintegration of the Russia-Iran alliance, thereby benefiting the United States.
The White House additionally suggested a restructuring of U.S. foreign policy that would entail a stronger bond between Washington and Moscow.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing mutual ties between the United States and Russia.
An improved U.S.-Russian relationship 'has huge upside,' the administration noted. 'This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved.'
Trump expressed optimism there would a 'complete ceasefire' soon.
'My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one. We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War,' he wrote on Truth Social.
'That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!'
Under the terms of the 'energy and infrastructure ceasefire' pact, Putin consented to cease assaults on Ukrainian energy facilities for a period of 30 days. His ongoing strikes against power generation have led to widespread outages across Ukraine, impacting services such as heating, water supply, waste management, and public health.
Russia has taken control of Ukraine's nuclear facility as well. Concerns have arisen that the conflict might trigger a nuclear disaster should the site be struck during the fighting. Additionally, Moscow has been targeting the nation’s natural gas infrastructure.
Ukraine has been causing harm to Russia's infrastructure itself.
In recent days, Kyiv has carried out drone strikes against Russian fuel installations as part of an effort to undermine the Kremlin. The number of assaults on Russian refineries, oil storage areas, and industrial complexes has increased since January.
The assaults disabled roughly 10 percent of Russia's refining capability for multiple weeks in February. Energy exports constitute the largest share of the Kremlin’s revenue and fund Putin's military campaign.
Additionally, Putin has conditions for a permanent end to the fighting, saying he wants the United States and its allies to end military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine to halt hostilities, according to the Kremlin readout.
Moscow stated that it was highlighted that the primary requirement to prevent the intensification of the conflict and facilitate its resolution via political and diplomatic channels is the total halt to external military assistance and the discontinuation of providing intelligence data to Kyiv.
However, European allies are concerned that this might lead to Moscow rebelling during a truce, leading to Kyiv short-handed and playing catchup.
Nevertheless, the White House stated that the objective is peace.
'The White House stated that both leaders concurred this dispute should conclude with enduring peace.'
The resources and funds that both Ukraine and Russia have been dedicating to this conflict would be more beneficially used for addressing the necessities of their citizens.
Additionally, during Tuesday’s telephone conversation, Putin informed Trump that both Russia and Ukraine plan to swap 175 prisoners of war on Wednesday. Furthermore, Russia intends to transfer 23 severely injured soldiers to Ukrainian control.
The conversation went on for roughly two hours, starting near 10 AM Eastern Time and wrapping up at noon. Trump conversed from the Oval Office, accompanied by the Vice President. J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio .
In this agreement, Trump endorsed Putin’s proposal for an ice hockey match involving American and Russian teams, as mentioned by the Kremlin.
'Moscow stated that Donald Trump backed Vladimir Putin’s suggestion to host hockey games in both the U.S. and Russia featuring players from the NHL and KHL.'
Meanwhile, Zelensky stated that Europe needs to be involved in all discussions regarding a lasting truce.
"Europe needs to be present at the negotiation table, and all matters related to European security should be determined jointly with Europe," he stated.
Zelensky has consistently maintained that Putin is not trustworthy.
The telephone conversation between Trump and Putin took place on Tuesday morning and was the first documented exchange between them since Ukraine consented to a 30-day truce, supported by the U.S., provided Russia does the same.
Trump entered the conversation believing he could secure a ceasefire agreement.
"We have the potential to establish a peace accord, implement a ceasefire, and achieve lasting peace, and I believe we can accomplish this," he stated on Monday.
Prior to their discussion, Trump mentioned his intention to talk about territory and power facilities with Putin.
We're going to discuss land. Much has changed since the war, as you are aware," he stated. "We will also talk about power plants; this is a significant issue.
The power plant in question is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant located in southern Ukraine.
Europe's biggest nuclear facility consists of six reactors. It was taken over by Russia at the beginning of the conflict and remains under their control to this day.
The plant has not supplied power to Ukraine's grid since its capture. But its proximity to frontline fighting has raised concerns about the risk of a radiological disaster.
And the Ukrainians want it back.
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