New Delhi: US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke for an hour in a call that came just weeks after a tense White House exchange dashed hopes of Washington stepping in as a peace broker between Russia and Ukraine.
The conversation followed a separate meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the ongoing conflict was once again discussed.
Described by both sides as “very good” and “positive,” the call saw Zelensky emphasize that lasting peace could be achieved “together with America, with President Trump, and under American leadership.” He highlighted the need to stop attacks on Ukraine’s energy and civilian infrastructure as an essential first step toward ending the war. Zelensky also expressed gratitude for US military assistance — particularly Javelin missiles — and called for more air defense support.
In a notable suggestion, Trump proposed that the United States take ownership of key Ukrainian energy infrastructure, including the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, to help prevent further attacks. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce commented that “it’s likely beneficial to have an economic relationship with a nation capable of protecting itself and its allies.” In a joint statement, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that American ownership of such facilities would offer the “strongest protection.”
The ongoing US-Ukraine minerals deal also came up during the conversation, though White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later stated that the US is “beyond” the minerals agreement and is now more focused on facilitating peace negotiations.
Trump also asked Zelensky about the Ukrainian children who have gone missing during the war, including those believed to have been abducted, and pledged to work with both sides to ensure their safe return.
Trump briefed Zelensky on his recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and both leaders agreed to maintain communication at the “highest level.”
On his Truth Social platform, Trump called the discussion “very good,” adding, “Much of the conversation focused on aligning both Russia’s and Ukraine’s requests and needs following my call with President Putin yesterday.” Zelensky described the conversation as “positive,” “frank,” and “very substantive.”
Zelensky also mentioned that Ukrainian and US officials might meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days for a second round of peace talks, focusing on enforcing the partial ceasefire.
Meanwhile, during Trump’s latest 90-minute call with Putin, the Russian president refused to commit to a full, immediate ceasefire but agreed to pause attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for 30 days. However, strikes continued overnight, with Zelensky accusing Russia of once again targeting critical energy facilities.
