On Wednesday, March 18, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his backing for President Donald Trump’s initiative to establish a limited ceasefire with Russia.
In a post on X, Zelensky stated, “One of the initial steps to completely ending the war could involve stopping attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure. I endorsed this measure, and Ukraine has affirmed its readiness to carry it out.”
He added, “We see these actions as critical for laying the groundwork for a detailed peace agreement during the ceasefire.”
The proposal, originating from the U.S., calls for both parties to cease targeting energy facilities and infrastructure as a preliminary move toward a wider peace settlement. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a nearly three-hour phone conversation on Tuesday, followed by a discussion between Trump and Zelensky on Wednesday.
In a statement, Zelensky noted that Ukrainian and U.S. officials would address “technical details for implementing and broadening the partial ceasefire.” He also mentioned that teams from both nations are prepared to convene in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to further align their efforts toward peace.
Trump initially suggested an unconditional 30-day ceasefire to pause ground and air combat, a proposal Ukraine accepted. According to a White House readout, Trump described his Wednesday call with Zelensky as “very good” and committed to exploring options for additional air defense systems in Europe, per Zelensky’s request.
In a statement from National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump floated the idea of U.S. ownership of Ukrainian nuclear power plants, calling it “the best protection for that infrastructure.”
Trump reportedly told Zelensky, “The United States could play a key role in managing those plants with its expertise in electricity and utilities.”
The White House readout also highlighted Trump’s inquiry about Ukrainian children “who have gone missing during the war,” with a pledge to collaborate with both sides to reunite them with their families.
Putin faces an International Criminal Court indictment for alleged war crimes tied to the abduction of Ukrainian children. Ukrainian authorities estimate Russia holds around 20,000 children, though the true figure may be significantly higher.
A December report from Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab identified 314 Ukrainian children allegedly subjected to a “systematic, Kremlin-orchestrated program of coerced adoption and fostering,” with findings presented to the UN Security Council.
The Trump administration has reportedly terminated State Department funding for the lab, which was launched under the Biden administration. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday, “I have no updates on that specific program at this time.”
These developments signal a thaw in U.S.-Ukraine relations, which had appeared strained after a tense Oval Office meeting where Trump criticized Zelensky for hindering peace efforts. The ongoing collaboration between Ukraine and the Trump administration marks a step forward in their diplomatic ties.
