Zelenskyy, Trump Discuss Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire, Concerns Remain

Ukraine and Russia Ceasefire Talks Progress, But Concerns Remain

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call on Wednesday to discuss the preliminary agreement reached with Russian President Vladimir Putin the day before. Both leaders expressed optimism about the progress made, but concerns remain about Putin's commitment to a full ceasefire.

Trump described the call as "very good" and said that much of the discussion focused on aligning the requests and needs of both Russia and Ukraine. He added that the U.S. and Ukraine are "very much on track" to achieve a lasting peace.

Zelenskyy also characterized the call as "positive, very substantive, and frank." He thanked Trump for the productive work of the Ukrainian and American teams in Jeddah on March 11, which he believes significantly helped move the peace process forward. He expressed confidence that together with the U.S. and under Trump's leadership, lasting peace can be achieved this year.

Despite the positive tone of the call, skepticism remains about Putin's commitment to a full ceasefire. While he agreed to stop hitting Ukraine's energy infrastructure for 30 days, the ceasefire does not extend to the frontlines or civilian populations as the Trump administration had originally hoped.

Special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed belief that a full ceasefire can be achieved in a couple of weeks, but international leaders remain frustrated that the deal Ukraine agreed to last week was not accepted by Putin.

Zelenskyy argued that Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire and called on the world to respond by rejecting any attempts by Putin to prolong the war. He emphasized the need for continued sanctions against Russia, assistance to Ukraine, and strengthening of allies in the free world.

Only a real cessation of strikes on civilian infrastructure by Russia, Zelenskyy argued, can bring peace closer.