Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling for transparency following Tuesday’s high-stakes phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Context
Trump and Putin’s call came after weeks of negotiations between American, Russian and Ukrainian officials about coming to a ceasefire agreement in the Russia-Ukraine war. While the United States and Russia expressed a shared interest in de-escalation, the official readouts of the conversation diverged on key details, particularly regarding the scope of a ceasefire.
Putin agreed to a partial ceasefire—as opposed to a broader ceasefire, which both the U.S. and Ukraine had hoped for—but only on the condition that Ukraine not rearm and that all U.S. military and intelligence aid to Ukraine be cut off.
Russia also demanded other steep concessions from Ukraine, including that it drop its efforts to join NATO and protect the Russian language and culture so it remains in Moscow’s orbit.
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What To Know
Zelensky expressed “skepticism” at a news conference after the Trump-Putin phone call but conceded that “if there is a partial ceasefire, this is a positive result.”
But he stressed the need for complete transparency in the negotiations and posed one key question.
“We need to understand what the conversation is about,” Zelensky told reporters, according to the Associated Press. “What are the details? And hopefully, we will be fully informed, and our partners will discuss everything with us.”
He added: “There are two sides in this war: Russia and Ukraine. Trying to negotiate without Ukraine, in my view, will not be productive.”
Trump’s phone call with Putin was the first known conversation between the two leaders since Ukraine agreed to a temporary 30-day ceasefire with Russia last week.
The Trump administration’s thawing of relations with Russia comes after Trump stunned Ukraine and NATO allies by berating Zelensky at an Oval Office meeting last month.
Shortly after the meeting ended, Trump ordered the U.S. to halt military assistance to Ukraine until Zelensky agreed to sign a rare earth minerals agreement. Multiple media reports also said the U.S. had paused some intelligence-sharing with its longtime ally.
Ukraine later said it was ready to sign a ceasefire deal with Russia following talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, subject to the Kremlin’s agreement.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social after his call with Vladimir Putin: “My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one. We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine.”
He added: “This War would have never started if I were President! Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!”
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council and the former president of Russia, gloated about Trump’s call with Putin, writing on X: “The phone call between Presidents Putin and Trump proved a well-known idea – there is only Russia and America in the dining room. On the menu: light appetisers – Brussels sprouts, British fish and chips and Paris rooster. The main course is a Kiev-style cutlet. Enjoy your meal!”
What Happens Next
Shortly after Trump and Putin’s phone call, Zelensky posted to X that a barrage of Russian drone attacks had hit a hospital in Sumy and power supplies in Slovyansk.
“Unfortunately, there have been hits, especially on civilian infrastructure,” Zelensky wrote. “Today, Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire.”
This article contains reporting by the Associated Press.
Update 3/18/25, 6:03 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 3/18/25 9:58 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
