Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he pressed former U.S. President Donald Trump during a recent phone conversation to use his diplomatic clout to broker peace in Ukraine invoking the momentum Trump gained from mediating a ceasefire in the Middle East.

Zelenskyy described the call as “very positive and productive,” noting that if a war can be halted in one region, “surely other wars can be stopped as well including the Russian war.”

Context & Highlights from the Call

• Zelenskyy congratulated Trump on his success in securing a Middle East ceasefire, calling it an “outstanding achievement,” and urged him to apply a similar diplomatic approach in the conflict with Russia.

• During the call, Zelenskyy updated Trump on recent large scale Russian strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy grid, which caused widespread power outages.

• They discussed the need to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses and possible concrete agreements to advance Ukraine’s security.

• Zelenskyy emphasized that genuine diplomacy on the Russian side must be backed by pressure and incentives not just goodwill.

Historical & Diplomatic Background

The Ukraine and Russia conflict started in 2014 (with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine) but escalated into full-scale war in February 2022 when Russia launched a broad invasion of Ukraine’s territory.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the war have been intermittent and fragmented. Ceasefires, prisoner exchanges, and peace proposals have surfaced repeatedly, but lasting agreement has remained elusive.

In 2025, Trump has sought to position himself as a mediator. In February, for example, he held a “highly productive” call with Russian President Vladimir Putin about starting peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has repeatedly underscored that any settlement must guarantee Ukraine’s territorial integrity and security.

What This Could Mean & Challenges Ahead

Zelenskyy’s appeal to Trump signals Ukraine’s willingness to explore new diplomatic openings especially as global attention shifts toward other theaters like the Middle East. If Trump can leverage his influence with Moscow, it could reinvigorate peace negotiations. But several obstacles remain:

• Russian reluctance: Putin and his government have repeatedly refused ceasefires or talks that they see as compromising core objectives.

• Verification & enforcement: Even if a deal is struck, ensuring compliance especially in a volatile, ongoing war poses immense challenges.

• International alignment: Any agreement would need buy in from NATO, the EU, and Ukraine’s allies to shape sanctions, security guarantees, and post war reconstruction.

• Domestic politics: In both Ukraine and the U.S., political pressures, public opinion, and war fatigue could constrain bold compromises.

Zelenskyy’s message suggests he sees an opening: “If a war can be stopped in one region, then surely other wars can be stopped as well.” The question now is whether the parties will act.