Trump and Zelenskiy Pledge Cooperation to End Russia-Ukraine Conflict

 WASHINGTON/KYIV: U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have agreed to collaborate on efforts to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. The agreement followed a one-hour phone call on Wednesday, which the White House described as “fantastic.” This was their first discussion since a heated exchange at the Oval Office on February 28. Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for U.S. support and urged additional air defense assistance to counter Russian attacks. Trump assured him that the United States would help secure military equipment from European allies.

During the call, Trump provided details of his recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the Kremlin rejected a 30-day ceasefire proposal put forward by Trump but agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, this commitment appeared uncertain as both sides exchanged fresh attacks. Moscow accused Ukraine of striking an oil depot in southern Russia, while Kyiv reported that Russian airstrikes had targeted hospitals, homes, and railway infrastructure.

Despite ongoing hostilities, the two nations successfully conducted a prisoner exchange, with each side releasing 175 captured soldiers in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates. Moscow also released an additional 22 wounded Ukrainian soldiers as a goodwill gesture. Following the call, Zelenskiy characterized the discussion as “positive, substantive, and frank”, reiterating Kyiv’s willingness to halt strikes on Russian infrastructure and consider an unconditional frontline ceasefire, as per Trump’s earlier proposal.

Ceasefire Efforts and Nuclear Power Talks

Zelenskiy emphasized that halting attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure could serve as an initial step toward peace. However, he stressed that Russia’s continued aggression—including missile strikes following Trump’s conversation with Putin—indicated that Moscow was not fully committed to negotiations. He proposed that the U.S. oversee the implementation of any ceasefire, ensuring compliance from both parties.

Meanwhile, the White House revealed that Trump had suggested potential U.S. involvement in managing Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe, which has been under Russian control since 2022. Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukraine has initiated discussions with Washington regarding U.S. participation in restoring and securing the facility.

European Concerns Over U.S. Engagement with Putin

While Trump has consistently vowed to bring an end to the conflict, his direct outreach to Putin has alarmed European leaders, who fear it signals a shift in U.S. foreign policy. For decades, countering Russian expansionism has been a cornerstone of transatlantic security cooperation.

Germany’s Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, dismissed Putin’s limited ceasefire offer, arguing that halting strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid was insufficient. “Putin is playing a game here, and I’m sure the American president won’t just sit and watch for much longer,” Pistorius told ZDF, a German broadcaster.

Adding to European efforts, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced plans to propose a supply of two million rounds of large-caliber artillery ammunition to Ukraine. She is expected to present this proposal at a meeting of European leaders in Brussels on Thursday, according to documents obtained by Reuters.

Ongoing Military Engagements

Despite discussions of de-escalation, both Russia and Ukraine continued to engage in strikes. For nearly three years, Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine’s power grid, arguing that such infrastructure supports Kyiv’s military efforts. In contrast, Ukrainian forces have intensified their drone attacks deep into Russian territory, particularly targeting oil and gas facilities that fuel the war effort.

On Wednesday, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian drone strikes damaged two hospitals in the northeastern Sumy region, leading to emergency evacuations. Airstrikes near Kyiv injured a civilian and hit residential and commercial buildings. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk’s railway system disrupted power supplies.

In southern Russia’s Krasnodar region, Ukrainian drones reportedly ignited a fire at an oil depot, though local authorities stated there were no casualties. The targeted facility serves as a key rail terminal for Russian oil exports to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which connects Kazakhstan to the Black Sea.

While the pipeline operator assured that oil flows remained stable, industry sources suggested that supply disruptions were possible due to the attack.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains deeply volatile. While the Trump-Zelenskiy dialogue signals a renewed push for negotiations, persistent military engagements and European skepticism pose significant challenges to achieving a lasting peace.