Zelenskiy states that a ceasefire regarding energy strikes could be implemented swiftly

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Wednesday that a cessation of energy strikes in the ongoing conflict with Russia could be implemented swiftly. However, he cautioned that Ukraine would retaliate if Moscow breached the terms of the limited ceasefire. Following his first conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump since their contentious meeting in the Oval Office, Zelenskiy mentioned that Kyiv would compile a list of facilities eligible for a partial ceasefire facilitated by Washington.

This list may encompass not only energy assets but also rail and port infrastructure, he noted, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Trump and consented to suspend attacks on energy facilities. “I recognize that until we reach an agreement with Russia and have a formal document regarding even a partial ceasefire, I believe that everything will continue to escalate,” Zelenskiy remarked, alluding to the ongoing use of drones and missiles.

As Zelenskiy’s online briefing with journalists concluded, regional officials reported a significant drone assault on the central Ukrainian city of Kropyvnytskyi, with social media footage revealing extensive fires and damage to residential buildings. Authorities indicated that the attack also impacted rail infrastructure, with some injuries reported by the regional governor.

The Ukrainian leader, appearing fatigued during his address to the press, characterized his conversation with Trump as “probably the most substantive and positive” discussions to date, asserting that he did not feel pressured. This account stood in stark contrast to the tense atmosphere of Zelenskiy’s previous meeting with Trump on February 28, which was intended to culminate in a minerals agreement but devolved into a heated argument.

When asked during the briefing if he still desired Trump to visit Ukraine, Zelenskiy affirmed his wish, expressing that such a visit would be beneficial for the U.S. president in his efforts to bring an end to the conflict.

NEW MEETING TO DISCUSS TECHNICAL DETAILS

Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy to the Middle East, announced that another round of discussions between Russian and American officials is scheduled for Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The focus of these talks will be on establishing a permanent ceasefire and bringing an end to the conflict, although it remains uncertain if Ukraine will participate.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy indicated that Ukrainian and U.S. officials might convene in Saudi Arabia on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to go over technical aspects. He expressed a desire to clarify how the partial ceasefire would be monitored, noting that he believes it could be effective if the United States takes the lead.

Earlier, a statement from the U.S. presidential administration revealed that Trump proposed to Zelenskiy the possibility of U.S. involvement in managing and potentially owning Ukraine’s nuclear power facilities and energy infrastructure.

During their phone conversation, Zelenskiy mentioned that he and Trump focused solely on the large Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant located in southeastern Ukraine. He conveyed to Trump that Kyiv would be open to discussions regarding U.S. participation in the modernization and investment of the nuclear facility, contingent upon its return to Ukraine.
Zelenskiy expressed skepticism about the likelihood of Putin agreeing to a complete ceasefire while Ukrainian forces remain in Russia’s western Kursk region. Ukrainian troops had executed a surprise incursion into this area in August of the previous year but have since been pushed back to a small territory following a multi-phase operation by Russia.
Additionally, Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukraine has received new supplies of several F-16 fighter jets, although he refrained from disclosing the exact number or the timing of the delivery.