Zelensky Congratulates Trump by Phone, Urges Similar “Success” in Ukraine Conflict

A direct phone call between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump this past weekend has set the stage for a new diplomatic offensive by Kyiv. Zelensky congratulated Trump on the Gaza peace deal and is now publicly urging him to achieve a similar “success” by ending the war in Ukraine.
The content of the call, as described by Zelensky, was centered on praise for the “outstanding achievement” in the Middle East. Zelensky is now using that private conversation as a public springboard to call for a renewed focus on his country, arguing that the Gaza deal proves that American-led peace efforts can work.
“It is important that President Trump succeeded,” Zelensky said in a follow-up statement. “Undoubtedly, the right actions by the United States can also help bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.” He added that Kyiv has a “corresponding vision” for what those actions should be.
Zelensky is not relying on the US alone. He is building a coalition of support, as evidenced by his long strategy session with Finnish President Alex Stubb. The aim is to create a chorus of international voices calling for a new, decisive push for peace in Europe.
This diplomatic maneuvering is set against the backdrop of relentless Russian attacks, which Zelensky continues to document. The bombing of a Kharkiv hospital and strikes on the energy grid serve as a constant, brutal reminder of what is at stake, reinforcing the urgency of his appeal to the US president.