Trump Says Russia-Ukraine Talks 'Back on Track' After Call with Zelenskyy

What Happened?

President Donald Trump stated Wednesday after a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the U.S. is 'very much on track' with both Russia and Ukraine.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged a series of air attacks overnight Tuesday that damaged each other's infrastructure just hours after Vladimir Putin's call with President Trump.

Trump spoke with Putin Tuesday to discuss negotiations surrounding a 30-day truce agreed to by Ukraine.

Putin agreed that a narrower pause on Russia attacking Ukrainian energy sites would go into effect while revisiting broader negotiations.

Trump took to Truth Social following the call to state that his conversation with President Putin '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,' Trump said.

Zelensky accused Putin on Wednesday of already breaking his pledge after 150 drones attacked Ukraine overnight.

According to reports, Zelensky stated drones hit energy facilities, transport infrastructure, and even two hospitals.

'Putin's words are very different from reality,' Zelensky told reporters.

The Kremlin said the overnight attack on an oil Russian facility by Ukraine showed a 'lack of will' to reach a deal.

Zelenskyy met with Finland's president to express skepticism about Russia's commitment to a ceasefire.

He reportedly emphasized the need for continued international support.

Why it Matters

About 80% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been destroyed by Russian bombs, Zelensky previously stated in June 2024.

Kyiv, in return, conducted attacks on oil and gas facilities deep into Russian territory, according to BBC News.

Although Putin declined the presented 30-day ceasefire, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia and the U.S. will soon agree to the dates and attendees of their next meeting.

The Kremlin reportedly believes that a full ceasefire would only work if Ukraine's allies stopped giving military assistance.

Ukraine's European allies have previously rejected that condition.

Trump suggested that 'dividing up certain assets,' including land and power plants, would be negotiated as the U.S. pushes for a ceasefire.

Putin emphasized last week that while the terms still need to be worked out, this initial step should lead to lasting peace.

Russian officials said Monday that Moscow will seek 'ironclad' guarantees in any peace deal that NATO nations exclude Kyiv from membership.

They will also not accept peacekeepers from any NATO members to monitor a prospective truce.

How it Affects You

Sanctions imposed on Russia are still a strong possibility should Trump not make forward progress with Putin.

Ukrainian and Russian leaders have both expressed wanting a long-term peaceful settlement despite both sides continuing to exchange heavy aerial strikes.

Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, told reporters that Ukraine and the U.S. will continue their talks on Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

It's a critical test for the Trump administration to facilitate an official deal by both parties to prevent the continuation of this three-year war.