Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is speaking with US President Donald Trump today, just hours after Ukraine was hit by strikes when Russia broke its agreement to halt attacks on infrastructure.
Zelensky expressed his desire to learn more about Trump’s recent conversation with Putin, which was described as “very good and productive.”
“Today I will have contact with President Trump. We will discuss the details of the next steps,” Zelensky said.
This marks the first time the two leaders have spoken since their tense exchange in the White House last month.
Yesterday, Trump and Putin reportedly brokered a deal for Russia to halt strikes on critical Ukrainian infrastructure for 30 days—an agreement that Putin immediately violated this morning.
The Kremlin targeted energy infrastructure in Slovyansk, a city in the Donetsk region, cutting power to large portions of the 100,000-strong population.
In retaliation, Russia accused Ukraine of launching air attacks, with the Kremlin claiming to have shot down 57 Ukrainian drones.
Zelensky stated that Moscow’s refusal to cease all strikes highlights the urgent need for greater pressure on Russia to prevent Putin from dragging out the war.
“This confirms that we must continue to pressure Russia for the sake of peace,” he said on Tuesday night.
“Only a real halt to Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure can signal a genuine desire to end this war and bring peace closer.”
The Ukrainian leader also noted that one of the most challenging issues in future negotiations would be the question of territorial concessions.
“For us, the red line is the recognition of Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia,” he said. “We will not accept that.”
Trump spoke to Putin yesterday in a bid to end the war – Putin struck Ukraine again this morning
The White House called the call between Trump and Putin the first step in a “movement toward peace,” hoping it will lead to a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and eventually a full and lasting end to the conflict.
However, there was no sign that Putin had softened his stance on the conditions for a potential peace deal, which Kyiv strongly opposes.
Trump praised the outcome of his 90-minute conversation with Putin in a post on Truth Social Tuesday afternoon.
“We agreed to an immediate ceasefire on all energy and infrastructure, with the understanding that we will work quickly toward a complete ceasefire and, ultimately, an end to this horrific war between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote.
“Many elements of a peace contract were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy want to see it end.”
“That process is now in full motion, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of humanity, get the job done!”
Trump also reiterated, as he has before, that the war would not have started if he were president.
