Zelenskyy speaks with Trump about peace efforts, eyes leaders-level talks
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday night, discussing ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. Zelenskyy expressed his hope that these talks would soon escalate to a leaders-level meeting, which he believes is the only way to resolve complex issues and end the war. The call, joined by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, lasted half an hour and covered topics related to the upcoming discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Geneva on Thursday.
The Geneva meeting aims to address key issues such as a potential post-war recovery plan for Ukraine, preparations for trilateral talks with Russian officials in early March, and a possible prisoner swap. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of these discussions, stating that they are part of a renewed push for peace spearheaded by Trump. However, despite this effort, the four-year conflict continues to exact a heavy toll, with hundreds of thousands of lives lost and significant disruptions across Europe.
Zelenskyy also highlighted the challenges ahead, noting that the current impasse lies in political will and territorial disputes. Russia insists on territorial concessions from Ukraine, particularly regarding the Donbas region, while Kyiv refuses to budge without security guarantees from its allies. The World Bank estimates that rebuilding Ukraine’s economy could cost $588 billion, underscoring the immense scale of the task ahead. As both sides remain deadlocked, Zelenskyy reiterated his resolve to continue fighting for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
These discussions are part of a broader effort to find a pathway to peace, but significant hurdles persist. The outcome of these talks could shape the future of the conflict, making them a critical focus for global attention.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026