In a critical development in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed on a limited ceasefire focusing on energy and infrastructure targets, according to the White House.
During a notable phone conversation on Tuesday, President Trump and President Putin concluded an agreement for an immediate halt to strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure. However, Putin refrained from supporting a broader 30-day pause in military operations, a condition being pursued by the United States. The White House statement framed this as an initial step towards peace, aiming for eventual broader agreements such as a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a comprehensive end to hostilities.
Despite the agreement, Ukraine’s stance on this ceasefire remains unclear, as officials remain uncertain about the country’s participation in the proposed arrangement. Following the call, air raid alarms were activated in Kyiv, and subsequent explosions were reported, prompting authorities to urge civilians to seek shelter.
The Kremlin’s summary of the conversation stated that Putin agreed conditionally to the ceasefire proposal but reiterated the necessity for a cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine. Putin’s position is that such measures are crucial for conflict resolution. Additionally, assurances were made regarding the treatment of Ukrainian soldiers trapped in Russia, with commitments to adhere to international laws.
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The communication was part of a broader U.S. strategy to curb the ongoing war in Ukraine through diplomatic engagement with Russia. This dialogue follows recent agreements by Ukrainian officials to consider the U.S.-brokered ceasefire terms during Saudi Arabia-mediated discussions, although skepticism persists regarding Putin’s commitment to peace.
As part of ongoing negotiations, the two leaders have agreed to discuss further details, potentially involving a division of seized assets, while emphasizing the importance of ensuring safe maritime navigation in the Black Sea. Despite these developments, the absence of immediate feedback from Ukraine on the limited ceasefire underscores the complexity and challenges inherent in achieving sustained peace.
Putin and Trump’s nearly hour-long discussion comes at a time when the U.S. is actively seeking Russian cooperation to bring an end to the three-year-long war, which has seen significant geopolitical tensions and humanitarian impacts. The call was acknowledged by both the White House and the Kremlin, though specifics beyond the initial agreement were not disclosed.
The Kremlin also highlighted Putin’s readiness to assure the safety of Ukrainian servicemen if they were to surrender under the terms agreed upon in the conversation. Concurrently, discussions about securing shipping lanes in the Black Sea remain contentious, reflecting the intricate nature of ongoing negotiations.
The arrangement between President Trump and President Putin marks an attempt at diplomatic progress amid the protracted Ukraine conflict. However, the limited scope of the ceasefire and the absence of Ukraine’s explicit endorsement highlight the ongoing hurdles to a comprehensive peace agreement. The international community watches closely as negotiations and discussions continue, underscoring the fragile nature of this conflict resolution effort.
