A “very positive and productive” phone call on Saturday between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled a significant warming of relations, fueling speculation of a renewed American push to end the war in Ukraine. The conversation, initiated by Zelensky to praise Trump’s Gaza peace deal, showcased a new level of collaboration and shared strategic thinking between the two leaders.
This interaction stands in stark contrast to their now-infamous televised sparring session in February. Since then, relations have steadily improved, with Trump referring to Zelensky as a “nice guy” and maintaining consistent support for Ukraine. Saturday’s call solidified this rapport, with Zelensky expressing deep appreciation for Trump’s “willingness to support us” against Russian aggression.
The dialogue was substantive, moving from congratulations on the Middle East deal to the harsh realities of the Ukrainian conflict. Zelensky briefed Trump on Russia’s attacks on the nation’s energy grid, a crisis that framed their subsequent discussion about strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses. This focus on concrete security measures demonstrates a partnership that has matured from political rhetoric to practical cooperation.
Zelensky leveraged the call to advance his diplomatic agenda, arguing that the Gaza agreement proves that even entrenched conflicts can be resolved. His statement, “If a war can be stopped in one region, then surely other wars can be stopped as well,” was both a compliment to Trump and a strategic nudge to apply his deal-making focus to Eastern Europe. This aligns with Trump’s own long-stated goal of ending the conflict, a theme of his since his presidential campaign.
The conversation builds on an August meeting in Washington, where Trump indicated US willingness to support a European-policed peace deal. With this latest call, where “concrete agreements” on defense were discussed, the groundwork for a more assertive peace initiative appears to be solidifying, anchored by the strengthened personal and political bond between the two presidents.