On March 19, 2025, President Donald J. Trump engaged in a significant phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This call came on the heels of cooperative efforts in Jeddah on March 11, which set a productive tone for both Ukrainian and American teams working towards peace in the ongoing conflict.
President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from the United States, notably for the Javelin missiles that President Trump was the first to provide to Ukraine. This support is crucial as both leaders aimed to enhance their cooperative strategies to ultimately bring an end to the war. They discussed the evolving battlefield situation in Kursk and emphasized the necessity of sharing intelligence between their defense staffs.
Addressing urgent defense needs, President Zelenskyy requested additional air defense systems, specifically Patriot missile systems, to protect Ukrainian civilians. In response, President Trump assured him that he would coordinate with allies, particularly in Europe, to identify available resources.
In a groundbreaking step towards peace, the two leaders also agreed on a temporary ceasefire related to energy. They outlined plans for technical teams to meet in Saudi Arabia to negotiate extending this ceasefire to the Black Sea, paving the way for a more comprehensive ceasefire agreement.
American expertise in electricity management was also a focal point. President Trump discussed potential American ownership of Ukraine’s electrical and nuclear power plants, which they believe would bolster the country’s energy infrastructure and provide significant security against ongoing threats.
Commitment to humanitarian issues was reiterated as Zelenskyy thanked Trump for advocating the exchange of prisoners of war, emphasizing the recent success in that area. Furthermore, President Trump expressed concern over the abduction of Ukrainian children during the conflict and vowed to work towards their safe return.
Overall, the tone of the discussion was optimistic, with both leaders expressing a strong commitment to end the war collaboratively. They acknowledged the efforts of their teams, including Secretary of State Rubio and National Security Advisor Waltz, and instructed them to expedite preparations to solidify a ceasefire agreement. The discussion signaled a renewed hope for lasting peace and security under President Trump’s leadership.