U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have agreed to a partial ceasefire targeting energy infrastructure, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who briefed reporters following their March 19 call.
Zelenskyy used the call to request additional air defense systems, particularly Patriot missile batteries, to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to protect civilians from continued drone and missile strikes.
Trump, according to Leavitt, “agreed to work with him to find what was available, particularly in Europe.”
From Mineral Deals to Energy Protection
In a notable policy shift, Trump has moved away from earlier discussions centered on extracting Ukraine’s mineral wealth in exchange for U.S. support.
“We have moved beyond the economic mineral deal,” said Leavitt during the press briefing.
Instead, the U.S. president is now proposing a deeper American role in Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, particularly in nuclear energy, where several plants remain at risk or under Russian control.
Leavitt explained that Trump believes U.S. ownership and management of Ukrainian nuclear plants could provide a safeguard against further Russian attacks.
“He [Trump] said that the U.S. could be very helpful in running those plants,” Leavitt added.
“American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure.”
Zelenskyy also confirmed that both leaders agreed to halt offensive operations targeting civilian and energy infrastructure on both sides—described as a partial ceasefire intended to test the waters for broader peace negotiations.
