Zelensky Calls for Enhanced Military Aid Amid Trump-Putin Ceasefire Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned against complying with Kremlin requests to cease military assistance to Ukraine and revealed plans to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump later on Wednesday.

During a phone conversation with Trump on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced this demand, as Washington aims to facilitate a comprehensive ceasefire, now more than three years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“I do not think we should make any compromises regarding support for Ukraine; instead, there should be an escalation in aid,” Zelensky stated at a press conference alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

He noted that increasing assistance would “indicate that Ukraine is prepared for any unexpected moves from Russia.”

The phone call on Tuesday between Putin and Trump did not achieve the broad ceasefire that Ukraine has sought after backing a U.S.-led initiative last week. Nonetheless, the Kremlin did agree to suspend Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Speaking in Helsinki, Zelensky expressed hope of gaining more insights during his forthcoming conversation with Trump.

“Today, I will be in touch with President Trump, and we will discuss the next actions to take,” he remarked.

Previously, Zelensky accused Russia of effectively dismissing the U.S.-supported ceasefire initiative, referencing a recent wave of Russian drone and missile assaults that resulted in one fatality, several injuries, and damage to two hospitals.

“Putin’s statements are in stark contrast to reality,” he said.

Zelensky urged the U.S. to take the lead in supervising any agreement that would stop strikes from both Russia and Ukraine on energy facilities.

“The United States should be the primary authority overseeing this situation,” he asserted. “If the Russians refrain from attacking our sites, we will certainly not target theirs.”

Additionally, he encouraged Washington to sustain pressure on Moscow to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.

Putin conveyed to Trump that for a full ceasefire to be effective, Ukraine must be barred from rearming and must terminate mandatory military enlistment—conditions that Kyiv argues would leave it exposed to further Russian offensives.

Ukraine has indicated its readiness to send negotiators to Saudi Arabia for additional discussions regarding both the energy ceasefire and a maritime truce that it has previously proposed.