Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had a "very good" phone call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. This marks their first conversation since Trump publicly criticized Zelenskyy and asked him to leave the White House three weeks prior. The call occurred the day after Trump spoke with Russian President Putin, suggesting a coordinated effort.
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03-20, 2025According to a subsequent White House statement, Trump assured Zelenskyy that intelligence sharing between the two countries would continue. The U.S. is maintaining intelligence sharing despite Russia citing its cessation as a "key condition" for any future comprehensive ceasefire. Furthermore, they discussed the possibility of the U.S. taking over Ukrainian power plants. The White House statement read, "U.S. ownership of these plants would be the best protection for this infrastructure."
Trump posted on social media: "Just finished a very good phone call with the President of Ukraine, Zelenskyy, lasting for approximately one hour. Most of the discussion was based on yesterday’s call with President Putin, with the goal of bringing Russia and Ukraine together on their demands and needs. We are making great progress." Zelenskyy, in his review of the call, described it as positive, substantive, and candid, though he made no mention of the U.S. taking over power plants, which raises questions about the completeness of the discussions.
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's willingness to accept the comprehensive ceasefire proposal put forward by the U.S., and he accepted Trump's plan to suspend attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days. He wrote on social media: "The first step towards a comprehensive end to the war could be a cessation of attacks on energy and other civilian infrastructure. I support this step, and Ukraine confirms that we are ready to implement it." However, this agreement, promised by Putin on Tuesday, to pause attacks on energy facilities for 30 days in lieu of accepting a comprehensive ceasefire proposal, is already being questioned, casting doubt on its viability.
Zelenskyy accused Russia of violating the agreement just hours after Putin's promise at a press conference in Finland. "Putin's words are seriously at odds with reality," Zelenskyy said. "Overnight, 150 drones attacked energy infrastructure and other targets," he added, noting that two hospitals were also attacked. During the phone call on Wednesday, Zelenskyy requested additional air defense systems from Trump, particularly Patriot missiles. Trump "agreed to work with him to find available resources, especially in Europe," signaling a potential shift in strategy.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov defended Russia's recent attacks on energy infrastructure. He stated that seven drones were already en route to Ukrainian energy targets when Putin agreed to halt such attacks. Russian state media RIA Novosti reported accusations from the Ministry of Defense that Ukraine used drones to attack an oil storage facility in Krasnodar, located in southern Russia. Throughout the war, Ukraine has effectively used drones to strike critical energy infrastructure deep within Russia, demonstrating a growing capability.
Despite optimistic statements from both the Kremlin and the White House following the presidents' phone calls on Tuesday, Putin ruled out an immediate ceasefire and listed several non-negotiable conditions. One of the biggest obstacles is the demand that foreign countries cease providing weapons and intelligence to Ukraine. Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House, a London-based international affairs think tank, stated that it is very important for Zelenskyy and Trump to resume direct communication. "Especially after the terrible performance and pressure that the Trump team put on Zelenskyy in the White House, publicly humiliating him," she said. This Wednesday, the two countries also exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war, although similar exchanges have occurred numerous times throughout the conflict, indicating ongoing tensions.
