Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Trump spoke for an hour on Wednesday in what both described as a productive conversation regarding Ukraine’s ongoing negotiations with Russia.
“Just completed a very good telephone call with President Zelensky of Ukraine,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, emphasizing that much of the discussion built on his prior call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “We are very much on track.”
Zelensky echoed the sentiment, calling the exchange “positive, very substantive, and frank.” He credited recent talks between U.S. and Ukrainian teams in Jeddah as a key step toward ending the war and expressed confidence in achieving lasting peace under U.S. leadership.
On Tuesday, Putin agreed to halt strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days, though the temporary ceasefire does not extend to the frontlines. Despite skepticism from Ukraine and European leaders, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that a full ceasefire could be reached within weeks. He also indicated an official meeting between Trump and Putin was likely, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz scheduled to return to Saudi Arabia on Sunday to advance negotiations.
Putin also agreed to a prisoner exchange, releasing 175 Ukrainian soldiers and 22 additional detainees. Shortly after his call with Trump, Zelensky confirmed the exchange had taken place, sharing images of returning soldiers and thanking international partners, particularly the United Arab Emirates, for their role in facilitating the deal.
