Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed plans to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Russia’s temporary ceasefire on Ukrainian energy facilities and the need for U.S. oversight in monitoring the situation.
On March 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a temporary halt on attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but refused to support a full 30-day ceasefire, a move Trump had hoped would be a first step toward a lasting peace agreement.
Despite the agreement, tensions remain high as Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of launching airstrikes that damaged critical infrastructure on March 19, just hours after the limited ceasefire was announced.
Zelensky’s upcoming conversation with Trump is expected to focus on U.S. involvement in ceasefire monitoring, energy security concerns, and broader diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the ongoing war. The developments highlight the fragile nature of negotiations as both sides continue to engage in military confrontations despite diplomatic overtures.
Mr Zelensky, in a joint briefing in Helsinki with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, said Mr Putin’s words were not enough and that Ukraine would provide a list of energy facilities it hopes the US and allies would help monitor.
“I really want there to be control. But I believe that the main agent of this control should be the United States of America,” he said, adding that Kyiv would be ready to commit to a ceasefire.
“If the Russians will not strike our facilities, then we will definitely not strike theirs.”