Zelenskyy approves limited ceasefire as Trump eyes power plants

U.S. President Donald Trump floated U.S. ownership of Ukrainian power plants during a Wednesday phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump said the move would maximize security and efficiency. Zelenskyy later said the conversation focused on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Russian control. He said Trump suggested an agreement in which the United States could recover the plant, according to a report by the Associated Press.

On the call, Zelenskyy agreed to implement a limited ceasefire on energy infrastructure, after Russian leader Vladimir Putin put that proposal forward on Tuesday, the White House said. But Zelenskyy said Ukraine also wants to begin a complete frontline ceasefire, if Russia will agree.

Zelenskyy also asked Trump for additional air defense systems for civilian protection, especially Patriot missiles. Trump said he would help gather whatever was available, particularly European missile systems.

The two leaders also agreed to closely share information about the developing situation in the Kursk border region. Russia and Ukraine have recently traded contradictory claims about whether Ukrainian troops there are surrounded.

What’s next? Zelenskyy said Ukrainian and American teams will again convene in Saudi Arabia in the next few days to continue broadening ceasefire plans. The next step would be a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. Russian negotiators will also meet with the United States in the Middle East soon to discuss that plan, the White House said Tuesday.

Dig deeper: Read Josh Schumacher’s report on the risks Ukrainians currently living in America may face if deported.