Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held discussions with former US President Donald Trump on Wednesday to gain insights into Trump’s recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which aimed to broker a lasting ceasefire in the ongoing three-year conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
During the 90-minute conversation on Tuesday, Putin reportedly agreed to a temporary 30-day halt in attacks targeting Ukraine’s power grid. Despite both nations expressing support for a truce, each side accused the other of violating the agreement by continuing strikes on energy infrastructure.
Ukraine’s defense ministry reported that an overnight barrage of Russian missiles and drones struck the country, killing one person and damaging two hospitals. “Today, Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire,” Zelensky stated.
Ukraine’s national railway service confirmed that the attacks targeted energy infrastructure in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, criticizing the supposed pause in hostilities. “So much for a pause in the attacks on the energy sector or an energy truce executed by the enemy!” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry claimed that Ukraine had launched a “deliberate” attack on an oil depot in southern Russia, accusing Kyiv of attempting to undermine Trump’s efforts to mediate peace. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “These attacks are countering our common efforts,” referring to the US-Russian negotiations.
In Washington, US envoy Steve Witkoff announced that technical talks on a potential peace deal would begin in Saudi Arabia on Monday, predicting that a ceasefire agreement could be reached “within a couple of weeks.” He also suggested that a meeting between Trump and Putin in the kingdom was “likely,” though no timeline was provided.
Prisoner Exchange and Ceasefire Demands
Zelensky cautioned against making concessions to Russia after Putin demanded an end to Western military aid to Ukraine during any ceasefire. Putin also insisted that Ukraine halt mandatory mobilization and refrain from rearming, conditions Kyiv rejected as leaving it vulnerable to further Russian aggression.
As a goodwill gesture, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 372 prisoners on Wednesday. However, Trump’s outreach to Putin and signals that the US might reduce its security guarantees to Europe have alarmed NATO allies, prompting discussions about increasing defense spending.
Public Sentiment in Ukraine and Russia
Zelensky accused Russia of lacking the willingness to end the war, a sentiment echoed by war-weary Ukrainians. “I don’t believe Putin at all, not a single word. He only understands force,” said Lev Sholoudko, a 32-year-old resident of Kyiv.
In Moscow, some residents expressed optimism that the talks could lead to a resolution favorable to Russia. “Definitely, this is in our favor,” said Larisa, a 46-year-old Muscovite. “What happened in 1945 will happen now,” she added, referencing the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.
Trump’s Role and International Reactions
Trump, who claims to have an “understanding” with Putin, initiated direct talks with Russia in February, raising concerns among allies about potential concessions to Moscow. He described his call with Putin as “good and productive,” with the Kremlin emphasizing discussions on “energy infrastructure.”
However, Trump’s interpretation of the ceasefire terms appeared broader, encompassing all civil infrastructure rather than just energy-specific sites. In a Fox News interview, Trump acknowledged the challenges of pressuring Putin into a full ceasefire, noting that “Russia has the advantage.”
Since annexing Crimea in 2014 and launching a full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia now occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine. Washington has indicated that Ukraine may need to cede territory in any peace deal.
European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, pledged continued military support for Ukraine. “Ukraine can count on us,” Scholz affirmed.
Putin’s Territorial Demands
Reports from Russia’s *Kommersant* daily revealed that Putin seeks formal US recognition of the four Ukrainian regions—Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—as part of Russia, in addition to Crimea. In return, Putin reportedly offered not to claim Odesa or other Ukrainian territories.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin discussed the conflict with Russian business leaders but did not verify whether the territorial recognition proposal was raised.
Frontline Doubts
Despite diplomatic efforts, Ukrainian soldiers remained skeptical of a lasting peace. “How can you trust people who attack you and kill civilians, including children?” asked Oleksandr, a 35-year-old soldier undergoing military training in the Donetsk region after being wounded in combat.
As the conflict continues, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, with both sides deeply entrenched in their positions.
