Zelenskyy to speak with Trump on ceasefire monitoring amid escalating strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on March 19 that he would hold a conversation with US President Donald Trump at 10 am and emphasized the importance of the United States monitoring any potential ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, particularly concerning energy infrastructure.

Similar information was shared on X by Barak Ravid, a correspondent for the Axios portal. He cited a source with knowledge of the plans being discussed between Washington and Kyiv. “Call planned for 10am ET, per source with knowledge,” he posted, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Call planned for 10am ET, per source with knowledge https://t.co/7hUOAZqszK

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) March 19, 2025

This comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on March 18 to temporarily halt attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, but stopped short of supporting the 30-day ceasefire that Trump had hoped would serve as the first step toward a broader, permanent peace agreement, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The situation escalated rapidly as both Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of launching air strikes on infrastructure hours after the limited ceasefire agreement was made.

Speaking during a joint briefing in Helsinki with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Zelenskyy expressed that Putin's verbal commitment was insufficient and insisted that Ukraine would provide a list of energy facilities to be monitored by the US and its allies. "I really want there to be control. But I believe that the main agent of this control should be the United States of America," Zelenskyy stated. "Kyiv will be ready to commit to a ceasefire. If the Russians will not strike our facilities, then we will definitely not strike theirs."

The issue of monitoring ceasefire compliance remains central, with Zelenskyy stressing the need for a robust monitoring system, particularly led by the US.

In a sign of continuing hostilities, Ukraine's air force reported that it had destroyed 72 out of 145 Russian drones launched overnight, while Russia’s defence ministry claimed to have downed 57 Ukrainian drones.

This ongoing conflict continues to raise concerns about the feasibility of a lasting ceasefire, with both sides maintaining their military operations even as diplomatic talks progress.

By Vafa Guliyeva