Trump and Putin Agree on Ukraine Ceasefire, Discuss Broader Issues

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation on Tuesday, during which they agreed that peace in Ukraine would commence with a ceasefire focused on energy and infrastructure. The White House released a statement detailing the discussion.

The two leaders also discussed broader topics, including bilateral relations, Iran, and the Middle East. They also addressed the need to prevent the proliferation of strategic weapons. As part of the limited ceasefire plan, the United States and Russia will initiate technical negotiations. These talks will focus on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, as well as a comprehensive ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine.

The White House statement indicated that these negotiations would begin immediately. The leaders agreed that the ongoing three-year conflict in Ukraine needed to end with a lasting peace agreement. However, Ukraine's response to the limited ceasefire plan remains uncertain. While Kyiv has expressed willingness to accept a proposed 30-day truce, the White House did not confirm Putin's agreement to this proposal.

The White House statement did not mention whether Putin requested a suspension of foreign military aid to Ukraine during the ceasefire. It also did not address issues such as land concessions or the future of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

Following the conversation, which lasted at least an hour and a half, Trump described the discussion as "very good and productive" on social media. He stated that they agreed to an immediate ceasefire on energy and infrastructure, with the understanding that a complete ceasefire would be pursued. The president added that "many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed" during the call.

The Kremlin's press service reported that Putin immediately instructed the Russian military in response to Trump's proposal for a mutual cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure. The White House statement also indicated that Trump and Putin emphasized the importance of improved U.S.-Russia relations. While specific details were not immediately available, U.S. media sources, citing Russian sources, reported that the leaders expressed support for normalizing relations between the two countries.

The White House statement also noted that the leaders shared the view that Iran should not be in a position to threaten Israel. They also discussed potential U.S.-Russia cooperation in the Middle East to prevent future conflicts in the region.