Ukraine Open to Partial Ceasefire Agreement if Russia Complies, Says President Zelenskiy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that his country is willing to negotiate a partial ceasefire targeting energy infrastructure, contingent on Russia honoring its commitments under the agreement. This statement follows a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine would retaliate if Russia breached the ceasefire agreement. Following their initial conversation since a contentious meeting in the Oval Office, he mentioned that Ukraine would prepare a list of facilities eligible for the partial ceasefire facilitated by the U.S.
The list may extend beyond energy sites to include rail and port infrastructure. This development came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Trump and indicated a willingness to suspend attacks on energy facilities.
"I recognize that until we have a formal agreement with Russia, particularly regarding a partial ceasefire, I foresee ongoing attacks, especially involving drones and missiles," Zelenskiy stated during an online briefing where he appeared visibly fatigued. He characterized his recent discussion with Trump as "probably the most substantial and constructive" dialogue they’ve had so far, adding that he did not feel pressured during the call.
This diplomatic exchange stands in stark contrast to the heated atmosphere of Zelenskiy’s previous meeting with Trump on February 28, which turned into a chaotic argument rather than a productive negotiation over a minerals deal.
When asked about the possibility of Trump visiting Ukraine, Zelenskiy expressed his hope that a visit would assist the U.S. president in his attempts to de-escalate the conflict. He mentioned that officials from Ukraine and the U.S. could convene in Saudi Arabia on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to iron out technical details.
The Ukrainian leader shared that he is eager to learn how the partial ceasefire would be monitored, asserting that he believes its success largely depends on U.S. involvement. A prior statement from the U.S. presidential administration indicated that Trump had proposed U.S. oversight—and possibly ownership—of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and energy infrastructure.
During their call, Zelenskiy noted that they focused solely on the large Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant located in southeastern Ukraine. He conveyed to Trump that Kyiv would be prepared to discuss American participation in modernizing and investing in the plant once it is returned to Ukrainian control.
Zelenskiy expressed skepticism about the likelihood of Putin agreeing to a full ceasefire while Ukrainian troops are active in Russia’s western Kursk region. Since a surprise incursion by Kyiv’s forces in August of last year, they have been pushed back to a small area during Russia’s multi-phase military campaign.
Additionally, Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukraine has received new supplies of F-16 fighter jets but did not disclose the exact quantity or delivery timeline.
