Zelenskyy asks Latin America for power grid aid as Trump hints at Russia deal
The Ukrainian president urged Ibero-American leaders to provide essential repair equipment while the US president suggested a major agreement with Moscow is imminent.
By Malik Salazar ·
Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to leaders from Latin America on Thursday to help Ukraine acquire equipment for its damaged power infrastructure. Speaking at a summit in Madrid, the Ukrainian president stated that every power plant in the country has sustained damage from Russian attacks. He explained that repair crews are working continuously to restore services and that international cooperation is necessary to rebuild the energy system.
Zelenskyy addressed the gathering on the sidelines of a meeting hosted by the Ibero-American Community. This group includes 22 nations that primarily speak Spanish or Portuguese. The president noted that companies in Spain and Latin America have the capacity to support Ukraine’s recovery. He stressed that the required equipment must be compatible with the existing power grid and is needed immediately.
In Washington, Donald Trump indicated that a large agreement with Russia is imminent. He made these remarks after an unscheduled meeting with Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy of Vladimir Putin. Dmitriev was at the White House for discussions with Ukrainian officials that were hosted by First Lady Melania Trump. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the coming deal would be very large in scope.
The US president suggested the deal could extend beyond the Ukraine war to involve all of Europe. He expressed confidence that the outcome would please many parties but did not reveal specific details. Trump also noted that he had not met with the Ukrainian officials present at the White House on Thursday. These comments raised concerns in Europe that the US may be pivoting toward the Kremlin to pressure Ukraine into a settlement.
Russia and Ukraine continued to exchange overnight airstrikes. A second day of talks regarding Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction and security guarantees concluded in Brussels. In the Russian-occupied Luhansk region, Leonid Pasechnik, the Moscow-backed leader, reported that a Ukrainian attack on a bus killed five people and injured 13.
Rescue operations are ongoing in Komyshuvakha, near the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region. More than 30 people are believed to be trapped in the wreckage of a former school and a nearby shelter damaged by Russian guided bombs on Monday. Zelenskyy confirmed that 43 people have died in the incident and reported that one person previously listed as missing was found alive.
In Russia, the Ryazan oil refinery appeared to come under attack during a large overnight drone strike. Video analysis by Reuters showed the attack targeted industrial sites south-east of Moscow. Leaked defense industry documents revealed that Russia arranged to supply Iran with 90 launchers for advanced guided missiles. The documents detail plans to provide launchers for the LMUR system, which Russian forces have used extensively against Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized what she described as Europe’s disorderly approach to negotiations. In a letter seen by Agence France-Presse, she demanded that the European Union determine who should speak on its behalf. European Council chief António Costa agreed that Europe needs to act with coherence. The exchange occurs as the conflict enters its 1,717th day.
