Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a temporary halt on attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure after a lengthy phone call with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The White House and Kremlin confirmed the decision, though Russia did not commit to a broader ceasefire to end the three-year conflict.
The conversation, the second between the two leaders since Trump took office, did not secure Putin’s approval of the 30-day truce that Trump has endorsed. Instead, a narrower pause on energy targets was agreed upon while technical teams work on broader negotiations.
“The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace,” the White House stated. It also noted that technical talks would begin “immediately” in the Middle East.
The Kremlin’s statement confirmed that Trump proposed a mutual halt to attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days, to which Putin “responded positively” and ordered the Russian military to comply. However, Ukraine has not yet responded to the agreement and has accused Russia of using such moves to stall progress.
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Putin also emphasized the need to halt foreign military aid to Ukraine, though this was not mentioned in the White House’s statement. Neither side referenced land concessions, despite Trump’s earlier comments about “dividing up certain assets.”
The high-stakes call, lasting about two hours, was a key test of Trump’s ability to broker peace. The White House later stated, “The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside,” citing economic and geopolitical benefits.
Putin informed Trump that a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine would take place on Wednesday. The two leaders also discussed the Middle East, with Russia offering to mediate a nuclear deal with Iran.
In an unexpected note, the Kremlin reported that Trump supported Putin’s idea of organizing US-Russia hockey matches in their respective countries.
(CNN)
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