Breaking: Donald Trump has ‘very good’ call with Volodymyr Zelenskyy – where he discussed US ownership of Ukrainian energy plants….Read More

The White House called the one-hour phone call between the two leaders “fantastic” and “productive”. The call “significantly helped” in efforts to end the war, a statement said.

Donald Trump had a “very good” call with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the White House said – as US officials claim “we have never been closer to peace” in Ukraine.

A statement about the one-hour phone call said American ownership of Ukraine’s energy network was discussed, and that Mr Trump also agreed to “help locate” additional air defence support in Europe after a request from the Ukrainian leader.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters further talks will take place in Saudi Arabia in the coming days, and the US will continue intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

She added that Mr Trump also agreed to work to ensure missing Ukrainian children are returned home, and both parties had agreed to a temporary 30-day ceasefire involving attacks against energy facilities.

Ms Leavitt also quoted the US president as saying American firms “could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise”.

Ahead of the call, Mr Zelenskyy and Russian officials accused each other of violating a 30-day pause on striking energy targets – despite the US president’s talk with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.

The White House statement added that Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskyy also reviewed the situation in Kursk and agreed to share information closely.

The presidents instructed their teams to move ahead with the details of implementing a partial ceasefire, with discussions to include expanding any ceasefire to the Black Sea.