Department of Research, Studies and International News 20-03-2025

In a significant diplomatic exchange, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a direct conversation on Wednesday, marking their first discussion since their tense meeting at the White House three weeks ago. The dialogue, which both leaders described as constructive and transparent, focused on the evolving situation in Ukraine, including a partial ceasefire agreement recently negotiated with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskyy characterized the conversation as “positive, substantive, and frank,” emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to implementing a ceasefire that was brokered with Moscow a day earlier. The White House confirmed that Trump assured Zelenskyy of U.S. support in securing additional air defense systems for Kyiv, an essential measure given the ongoing conflict.

Their previous encounter had resulted in a contentious exchange involving Trump, Zelenskyy, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, which had raised concerns among Ukraine’s allies about Washington’s commitment to Kyiv. However, in an apparent effort to mend diplomatic ties, Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for Trump’s engagement, highlighting his willingness to align with the ceasefire initiative.

Negotiating a Partial Ceasefire

Ukraine and the United States had initially pursued a broader ceasefire agreement, but Russia rejected this proposal. Instead, Moscow consented to a limited truce, focusing on halting attacks on energy infrastructure and suspending hostilities in the Black Sea. In his statement following the call, Zelenskyy noted that both administrations would work through technical aspects to ensure effective implementation and potential expansion of the ceasefire.

Trump, posting on Truth Social, described the discussion as “very good,” emphasizing that the call aligned with prior negotiations between himself and Putin. He maintained that progress was being made and that the situation remained “on track.” His relatively measured tone marked a departure from his often more forceful rhetoric on the conflict.

During a press briefing, Zelenskyy reaffirmed that he felt no external pressure from Trump regarding the ceasefire, stating, “It was one of the most productive conversations we have had.” He elaborated that the discussion centered on protecting civilian infrastructure, with Ukraine preparing a detailed list of facilities to be included in the ceasefire’s terms.

Broader Diplomatic Implications

A particularly notable point of discussion was the fate of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. According to Zelenskyy, Trump proposed a U.S.-led initiative to assume control of the facility as a security measure, an idea currently under White House review.

As diplomatic efforts unfold, European nations are closely monitoring developments. During the briefing, Zelenskyy briefly stepped away to take a call from French President Emmanuel Macron, whom he later described as “a key ally assisting Ukraine daily.”

Ukrainian officials remain cautiously optimistic about improving relations with the Trump administration. Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior aide to Zelenskyy, acknowledged the previous tensions but suggested that the two administrations had found a “synchronized position,” underscored by the ceasefire agreement reached in Saudi Arabia.

Despite this progress, European allies have expressed concern over the U.S. administration’s approach to Russia. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, praised the Trump-Putin dialogue as “two great leaders working for global stability,” a statement that alarmed many in Kyiv and beyond.

Conflicting Narratives and Strategic Challenges

Details surrounding the Trump-Putin agreement remain somewhat ambiguous, with different interpretations emerging from Washington and Moscow. Trump indicated that the ceasefire would cover “energy and infrastructure,” implying a broad scope. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later clarified that the agreement was limited strictly to energy infrastructure. The discrepancy has left the exact nature of the ceasefire somewhat unclear.

Further complicating matters, the Kremlin has linked future peace negotiations to the cessation of Western military aid to Ukraine. Trump, during a Fox News interview, denied that the subject of military aid was even discussed during his call with Putin. However, Peskov directly contradicted this claim, asserting that halting arms supplies to Kyiv was a critical agenda item in U.S.-Russia negotiations.

For Ukraine, this demand remains an unequivocal non-starter. Podolyak dismissed it as “unrealistic,” stating that Russia’s insistence on disarmament aligns with its long-standing objective of weakening Ukraine’s sovereignty. “After three years of military aggression, Putin now seeks to achieve through negotiations what he failed to accomplish on the battlefield,” he remarked.