Zelenskyy Speaks with Trump, Calls for US Ceasefire Oversight/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is speaking with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, urging the United States to monitor Russia’s adherence to a ceasefire agreement. Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s pledge to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Kyiv reported fresh drone strikes on hospitals and railway sites. Zelenskyy remains skeptical of Putin’s commitment and will seek further details on Trump’s recent call with the Russian leader.
Ukraine’s Ceasefire Concerns: Quick Look
- Zelenskyy says Putin’s words don’t match reality after Russian strikes hit Ukrainian infrastructure.
- Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of launching attacks just hours after agreeing to a limited ceasefire.
- Zelenskyy wants the US to oversee ceasefire compliance and prevent further Russian violations.
- Ukraine shot down 72 Russian drones, while Moscow claimed to have intercepted 57 Ukrainian drones.
- Trump and Putin spoke Tuesday, with Russia agreeing to halt attacks on energy sites but rejecting a full ceasefire.
- Zelenskyy’s call with Trump marks their first direct conversation since a tense White House meeting last month.
Zelenskyy Speaks with Trump, Calls for US Ceasefire Oversight
Zelenskyy Pushes for US Oversight in Ceasefire: Deep Look
Russia and Ukraine Trade Accusations
Just hours after Putin assured Trump that Russia would pause attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, fresh airstrikes hit two hospitals in Sumy and railway lines in Dnipropetrovsk, according to Ukrainian officials.
Zelenskyy, speaking at a press conference in Helsinki with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, condemned the strikes.
“Putin’s words are very different from reality.”
The Ukrainian Air Force reported downing 72 Russian drones, but the Kremlin countered, claiming its air defenses intercepted 57 Ukrainian drones, some of which targeted a Russian oil pumping station.
Despite Moscow’s claims of suspending strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid, the pattern of ongoing attacks has left Kyiv doubtful.
“If the Russians will not strike our facilities, then we will definitely not strike theirs,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy Calls for US-Led Ceasefire Monitoring
As part of his upcoming conversation with Trump, Zelenskyy will request American-led oversight of the ceasefire to ensure Russia does not continue violating agreements.
“I really want there to be control. But I believe that the main agent of this control should be the United States of America.”
Zelenskyy also confirmed that Ukraine is preparing for further negotiations with US officials on the technical details of a partial ceasefire agreement.
Trump and Putin’s Call: A Step Forward?
The high-stakes call between Trump and Putin on Tuesday was seen as the first diplomatic movement toward de-escalation in months.
While Putin agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, he rejected Trump’s push for a full 30-day ceasefire.
Stubb, Finland’s president, called the Trump-Putin talks a “step in the right direction” but stressed that pressure must be applied if Russia refuses to commit to peace.
“If Russia refuses to agree, we need to increase our efforts to strengthen Ukraine and ratchet up pressure on Russia to convince it to come to the negotiating table.”
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