Trump and Zelenskyy Agree on Partial Ceasefire, Discuss Patriot Missiles and Energy Protection

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt provided an update on President Donald Trump’s call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on March 19, confirming that Trump briefed Zelenskyy on his recent conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

During the call, Trump and Zelenskyy agreed on “a partial ceasefire against energy” targets as part of broader peace efforts. Zelenskyy also requested additional air defense systems, particularly Patriot missile systems, to bolster Ukraine’s civilian protection. Leavitt noted that Trump “agreed to work with him to find what was available, particularly in Europe.”

The White House also revealed that Trump has moved from a potential minerals deal with Ukraine, focusing instead on the country’s energy infrastructure.

“We have moved beyond the economic mineral deal,” Leavitt stated.

In a follow-up press briefing, Leavitt shared Trump’s vision for the future of Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector. Trump proposed that the US could play a significant role in managing Ukraine’s nuclear plants, many of which are currently under Russian control. “He [Trump] said that the US. could be very helpful in running those plants,” Leavitt said.

With his expertise in electricity and utilities, Trump believes American ownership of these energy facilities would offer the best protection for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. “American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure,” Leavitt added.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he and US President Donald Trump agreed to halt strikes on Russian energy and civilian infrastructure as part of initial steps toward a broader ceasefire.