Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged US President Donald Trump to seize on the momentum of the Gaza ceasefire to help broker peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The two leaders held a phone call on Saturday, discussing Ukraine’s military needs and potential US support for long-range strike capabilities.

“If a war can be stopped in one region, then surely other wars can be stopped as well – including the Russian war,” Zelensky posted on Facebook, referencing the temporary ceasefire between Palestinian resistance groups and "Israel".

According to Axios, the discussion included Ukraine's request for the United States to allow the delivery of Tomahawk cruise missiles, which would enhance Kiev’s capacity to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. Trump has recently hinted at a possible policy shift, stating he had “sort of made a decision” about selling Tomahawks to NATO allies, potentially for use in Ukraine.

“I informed President Trump about Russia’s attacks on our energy system – and I appreciate his willingness to support us,” Zelensky said in a separate statement on X, describing the call as “very positive and productive,” with “concrete agreements” to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.

I had a call with US President Donald Trump—a very positive and productive one. I congratulated @POTUS on his success and the Middle East deal he was able to secure, which is an outstanding achievement. If a war can be stopped in one region, then surely other wars can be stopped… pic.twitter.com/gDuEANq2e6

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 11, 2025

Read more: Western components found in Russian weapons: Zelensky

Russian strikes intensify as Kiev pushes for stronger air defense

The call came amid renewed concerns in Kiev over Russia’s intensified aerial attacks. Ukrainian officials report that Moscow has increased the frequency and volume of air raids, targeting critical energy infrastructure across the country.

Ukrainian armed forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russia has escalated its drone and missile assaults in recent weeks.

“New challenges await us ahead… Our air defense is about 74% effective, but we need to make additional efforts to protect our energy sector and infrastructure,” Syrskyi stated.

Earlier this week, Russia launched 465 attack drones along with 32 cruise and ballistic missiles, further testing Ukraine’s defenses and prompting appeals for additional Western support.

Trump-Zelensky call signals renewed cooperation

The direct line of communication between Trump and Zelensky marks a warming in relations, particularly as Ukraine seeks to reframe its conflict as urgent amid the world’s focus on developments in Gaza and the Middle East.

In his Friday night address, Zelensky warned that Russia was exploiting global distractions to intensify its offensive:

“The world is almost entirely focused on the prospect of peace in the Middle East. Russian assets must be fully used to strengthen our defense and ensure recovery,” he said.

Western allies discuss using Russian assets to aid Ukraine

Separately, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement on Friday supporting the use of frozen Russian sovereign assets to bolster Ukraine’s military and reconstruction.

The statement emphasized the need for “close cooperation with the United States” in executing the plan, signaling a unified Western front amid renewed discussions on long-term solutions to the Russia-Ukraine war.

While Russia has warned that supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would mark a “qualitatively new stage of escalation,” Kiev continues to press for advanced military support and increased international pressure on Moscow through coordinated sanctions.

Read more: Putin lauds Trump’s Gaza efforts, urges US-Russia diplomacy on Ukraine