Statement from Secretary Rubio and NSA Waltz on Call with Zelenskyy
On March 19, 2025, President Donald J. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a constructive phone conversation, focusing on collaborative efforts to advance peace and security in Ukraine.
Key Discussion Points:
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Acknowledgment of U.S. Support: President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the United States' assistance, notably the provision of Javelin missiles, and commended President Trump's ongoing peace initiatives.
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Intelligence Sharing: The leaders agreed to enhance information exchange between their defense teams, particularly concerning developments in the Kursk region, to better coordinate responses to evolving battlefield situations. The Guardian
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Air Defense Enhancements: President Zelenskyy requested additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians, specifically Patriot missile systems. President Trump committed to exploring available options, especially from European sources.
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Ceasefire Initiatives: A partial ceasefire targeting energy infrastructure was established, with plans for technical teams to convene in Saudi Arabia to discuss extending the ceasefire to the Black Sea, aiming for a comprehensive cessation of hostilities. Latest news & breaking headlines
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Energy Infrastructure Support: Discussions included the management of Ukraine's electrical grid and nuclear power facilities, with President Trump proposing U.S. assistance and potential American ownership to safeguard and support Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Latest news & breaking headlines
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Humanitarian Concerns: Both presidents emphasized the importance of humanitarian efforts, including the exchange of prisoners of war and addressing the issue of missing Ukrainian children, with President Trump pledging to facilitate their safe return. Latest news & breaking headlines
The leaders directed their respective teams, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, to expedite the technical aspects of implementing and expanding the partial ceasefire, underscoring a mutual commitment to achieving lasting peace and security. New York Post+5WSJ+5Latest news & breaking headlines+5
“Today, President Donald J. Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a fantastic phone conversation. President Zelenskyy thanked President Trump for a productive start for the work of the Ukrainian and American teams in Jeddah on March 11th. The meeting of the senior officials from both nations significantly helped in moving toward ending the war.
President Zelenskyy thanked President Trump for the support of the United States, especially the Javelin missiles that President Trump was first to provide, and his efforts towards peace. The leaders agreed Ukraine and America will continue working together to bring about a real end to the war, and that lasting peace under President Trump’s leadership can be achieved.
President Trump fully briefed President Zelenskyy on his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the key issues discussed. They reviewed the situation in Kursk and agreed to share information closely between their defense staffs as the battlefield situation evolved. President Zelenskyy asked for additional air defense systems to protect his civilians, particularly Patriot missile systems, President Trump agreed to work with him to find what was available particularly in Europe.
The two leaders also agreed on a partial ceasefire against energy. Technical teams will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to discuss broadening the ceasefire to the Black Sea on the way to a full ceasefire. They agreed this could be the first step toward the full end of the war and ensuring security. President Zelenskyy was grateful for the President’s leadership in this effort and reiterated his willingness to adopt a full ceasefire.
President Trump also discussed Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants. He said that the United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise. American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
President Zelenskyy also thanked President Trump for continuing to push humanitarian concerns, including the exchange of POWs. He noted they had just had a successful exchange and thanked the President for his leadership. President Trump also asked President Zelenskyy about the children who had gone missing from Ukraine during the war, including the ones that had been abducted. President Trump promised to work closely with both parties to help make sure those children were returned home.
They agreed all parties must continue the effort to make a ceasefire work. The Presidents noted the positive work of their advisors and representatives, especially Secretary Rubio, National Security Advisor Waltz, Special Envoy Kellogg, and others. The Presidents instructed their teams to move ahead with the technical issues related to implementing and broadening the partial ceasefire. The Presidents instructed their advisors and representatives to carry out this work as quickly as possible. The Presidents emphasized that in further meetings, the teams can agree on all necessary aspects of advancing toward lasting peace and security.”