Zelensky agrees to partial ceasefire with Russia, says US
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to a partial ceasefire in the conflict with Russia, following discussions between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the White House announced on Wednesday.
Trump briefed Zelensky in a phone call about his conversation with Putin on Tuesday. According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, the two leaders agreed on a limited ceasefire focused on energy infrastructure. A formal readout of the call is expected to be released by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
“Technical teams will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to discuss broadening the ceasefire to the Black Sea as a step toward a full ceasefire,” Leavitt said. “They agreed this could be the first step toward ending the war and ensuring security.”
While Trump had previously proposed a 30-day ceasefire, which Zelensky accepted, he and Putin instead settled on a more limited agreement targeting energy and infrastructure sectors.
Leavitt described the phone call between Trump and Zelensky as “fantastic.”
“President Trump fully briefed President Zelensky on his discussion with Putin and key issues covered. They reviewed the situation in Kursk and agreed to closely share intelligence as the battlefield situation evolves. President Zelensky also requested additional air defense systems, particularly Patriot missile systems, to protect civilians,” Leavitt stated. “President Trump agreed to explore options, especially from European allies.”
Zelensky expressed appreciation for Trump’s role in the ceasefire talks and reiterated his willingness to adopt a full ceasefire. Trump also discussed Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants, suggesting that US expertise in electricity and utilities could help manage Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
“American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy security,” Leavitt added.
