Zelensky Supports Trump’s Call for Limited Ceasefire in Ukraine Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his support on Wednesday for President Donald Trump’s proposal for a limited ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. The call for a temporary halt in hostilities, specifically targeting strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure, marks a significant development in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

In a post on the social platform X, Zelensky highlighted the importance of de-escalating the conflict to pave the way for a more comprehensive peace agreement. “One of the first steps toward fully ending the war could be ending strikes on energy and other civilian infrastructure. I supported this step, and Ukraine confirmed that we are ready to implement it,” Zelensky wrote.

He added that these measures were necessary for the possibility of negotiating a broader peace deal during the ceasefire.

The proposal, initially put forward by the United States, suggests that both Russia and Ukraine halt attacks on key energy facilities and civilian infrastructure as the first step toward peace. This move is part of a broader strategy that the U.S. has supported, calling for de-escalation and the beginning of discussions for a long-term resolution to the conflict.

On Tuesday, President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for nearly three hours about the potential for a partial ceasefire. The following day, Zelensky and Trump held their own conversation, with the Ukrainian leader expressing his support for the idea.

Zelensky emphasized that both Ukrainian and U.S. officials would continue to work together to resolve technical issues related to implementing and expanding the ceasefire. “Ukrainian and American teams are ready to meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to continue coordinating steps toward peace,” Zelensky stated.

These talks aim to advance the potential for a broader peace agreement while addressing practical and logistical challenges related to the ceasefire.

Trump had originally proposed an unconditional, 30-day ceasefire, which would pause fighting on the ground and in the air. This initial proposal was accepted by Ukraine, marking a significant step in diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.

The possibility of a temporary halt in hostilities has garnered attention from international leaders as a potential way forward in the protracted conflict.

Following the call with Zelensky, Trump described the conversation as “very good” and expressed a willingness to work closely with the Ukrainian president on further defense measures. The White House readout of the conversation indicated that Trump agreed to explore the possibility of additional air defense systems for Ukraine, focusing on systems that are already available in Europe at Zelensky’s request.

This development underscores the ongoing military support from the U.S. to Ukraine amid the war with Russia.

One of the more controversial aspects of Trump’s proposal involves American ownership of Ukrainian nuclear power plants. Trump suggested that U.S. control over Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure would provide “the best protection for that infrastructure.”

According to a joint statement from National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump believes that American expertise in electricity and utilities could greatly benefit the management of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants.

“The United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise,” Trump told Zelensky, according to Waltz and Rubio. The suggestion of American ownership has sparked debate, as some critics question the implications of such a move on Ukrainian sovereignty and its national resources.

However, Trump’s supporters argue that such a step could secure Ukraine’s energy infrastructure amid ongoing Russian attacks.

Trump also took the opportunity to ask Zelensky about the plight of Ukrainian children who have gone missing during the war. This issue has garnered significant international attention, as Russia faces accusations of war crimes related to the abduction and forced adoption of Ukrainian children.

The White House readout of the conversation indicated that Trump had pledged to work with both parties to bring missing children back to Ukraine.

Putin is currently under indictment by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations of war crimes, including the abduction of Ukrainian children. Ukrainian officials estimate that Russia holds about 20,000 Ukrainian children, though they believe the actual number could be much higher.

A report released in December by Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab identified 314 Ukrainian children who had been placed in a “systematic, Kremlin-directed program of coerced adoption and fostering.” This report was presented to the United Nations Security Council, raising international alarm about the treatment of Ukrainian children under Russian occupation.

The Trump administration reportedly ended State Department funding for the lab that conducted this research, a decision that has been criticized by some who believe the U.S. should have supported the lab’s efforts to expose Russian abuses. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified on Wednesday that there were no updates regarding the specific program or its findings.

Despite these challenges, the ongoing dialogue between Ukraine and the U.S. represents a shift in the relationship between the two nations. The Trump administration, despite previous tensions with Ukraine, has shown renewed support for Ukraine’s efforts in the face of Russian aggression.

This is particularly significant given the fallout from a controversial meeting between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office, where Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of frustrating peace efforts.

In the wake of these tensions, the relationship between Ukraine and the U.S. has taken a positive turn, with both sides working together toward a possible resolution to the conflict. Zelensky’s support for Trump’s ceasefire proposal marks a new chapter in diplomatic efforts, with both leaders now focused on finding common ground and pursuing a peaceful resolution to the war.

The discussions between Trump, Zelensky, and other international leaders are part of broader efforts to bring an end to the conflict that has caused immense human suffering and instability in the region. The possibility of a ceasefire, combined with diplomatic talks and military support, offers a potential path toward peace, but challenges remain in the form of logistical obstacles, legal issues, and ongoing distrust between Russia and Ukraine.

As the diplomatic process moves forward, all eyes will be on how both sides, along with international stakeholders, navigate the complexities of achieving a lasting peace agreement. While Zelensky and Trump’s cooperation signals hope for future negotiations, the war’s resolution remains uncertain, with many hurdles left to overcome.