Zelensky Congratulates Trump on Gaza Peace Deal, Hopes for End to Russian War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, congratulating him on brokering a peace deal in Gaza and expressing hope that similar efforts could help bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky described the conversation as “very positive and productive,” commending Trump on what he called “an outstanding achievement” in securing the first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

“If a war can be stopped in one region, then surely other wars can be stopped as well—including the Russian war,” Zelensky wrote.

During the call, the Ukrainian leader also briefed Trump on Russia’s recent attacks on Kyiv’s energy infrastructure. He expressed appreciation for Trump’s “willingness to support us” and said both leaders discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense systems.

“There are good options and solid ideas on how to truly strengthen us,” Zelensky added, noting that both sides were working on concrete agreements. He emphasized the need for Russia to engage in genuine diplomacy, saying, “This can be achieved through strength.”

Trump had announced earlier in the week that Israel and Hamas had agreed to phase one of a U.S.-brokered peace plan, which includes the release of hostages and a temporary ceasefire. The deal was widely praised, with world leaders acknowledging the Trump administration’s role in securing the agreement.

Relations between Trump and Zelensky have improved in recent months. The two had a tense encounter in February during a White House meeting but have since rebuilt communication. Trump has referred to Zelensky as a “nice guy” and reaffirmed his support for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.

In August, Zelensky visited Washington again after Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump had expressed willingness to support European-led efforts to monitor any future peace deal in Ukraine and reiterated his desire to end the ongoing war.

“People are being killed, and we want to stop that,” Trump said during the meeting. “We have a good chance of doing it. I believe President Zelensky and even President Putin want to see it ended.”

Trump also voiced disappointment with Putin’s recent actions and hinted at upcoming measures aimed at reducing casualties in the conflict.

The U.S. President has consistently maintained that ending the Russia-Ukraine war remains one of his key foreign policy goals.