Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated he was in favor of an 'energy and infrastructure ceasefire' with Russia but wants to hear more from President Donald Trump first. 'I count on having a conversation with President Trump. We will understand the details. We have always supported the ceasefire position and not to use any weapons against the energy infrastructure,' Zelensky told reporters in an online briefing.
But he said he'd hold off on a final answer until after he spoke with Trump.
'After we get the details from the US president, from the US side, we will give our answer,' he said.
Zelensky and Trump haven't spoken since their falling out in the Oval Office at the end of February. The two men got into a shouting match about the war with Russia, with Trump accusing Zelensky of not being grateful enough to the United States.
Other world leaders expressed cautious optimism about the deal, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: 'We welcome the progress President Trump has made towards a ceasefire and in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
'This process must lead to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
'We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to ensure Russia can never launch an illegal invasion again.'
Zelensky was not part of Trump's conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. The two leaders took the first steps toward ending the war with a partial ceasefire agreement that will be in effect for 30 days.
Talks for a permanent peace will 'begin immediately' in the Middle East although Putin told Trump that he has several conditions he wants met in order for the fighting to end.
'The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East,' the White House said in its readout of the call.
The White House statement also contained a key detail hinting at a realignment of the Middle East: a statement of support for Israel over Iran.
Read More Zelensky 'kicked out' of White House after Trump showdown as peace talks collapse article image 'The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel,' the readout said.
It hinted at the potential for a future shift in the world order in which Moscow becomes less forthright in its support of Tehran, which has been a longtime ally.
'The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts,' the White House said. The U.S. has hosted separate talks with Ukraine and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia.
Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran for its support of the Houthis and demanded it end its nuclear program. If he can foster a closer relationship between Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he could see an end to the Russia-Iran alliance, which would benefit the United States.
The White House also hinted at a shakeup of American foreign relations that would include a closer relationship between Washington and Moscow.
Both leaders 'stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia.'
An improved U.S.-Russian relationship 'has huge upside,' the administration noted. 'This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved.'
Trump expressed optimism there would a 'complete ceasefire' soon.
'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,' he wrote on Truth Social.
'That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job don
Poster Comment:
Dima of the Military Summary channel said, "If you are not at the table, then you are on the menu."