President Trump secures partial ceasefire in Ukraine after call with Putin, setting stage for peace talks in the Middle East amid ongoing skepticism from Kyiv.
Quick Takes
- Putin agreed to a 30-day halt in attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following a phone call with President Trump.
- Putin rejected a broader ceasefire proposal, citing concerns that Ukraine might use it to rearm.
- Trump and Putin will meet in the Middle East for further peace negotiations.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed cautious openness while warning of potential Russian delay tactics.
- Both leaders discussed improving US-Russia bilateral relations and addressed the Gaza conflict.
Limited Ceasefire Agreement Reached
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a 30-day halt on attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following a critical phone call with US President Donald Trump. The agreement marks a potential first step toward broader peace negotiations in a conflict that has devastated Ukraine and strained international relations. Despite this development, Putin declined to accept a more comprehensive US-backed ceasefire proposal, expressing concerns that Ukraine might use any extended pause to mobilize forces and rearm with Western support.
The White House has announced that negotiations for a maritime truce in the Black Sea and discussions about a broader ceasefire will begin immediately in the Middle East. These talks represent the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in the conflict since Russia’s invasion. Putin emphasized during the call that stopping foreign military aid and intelligence support to Kyiv would be essential for any meaningful resolution to the conflict, signaling continued Russian opposition to Western involvement.
🇺🇸🇷🇺WHITE HOUSE: TRUMP AND PUTIN AIM FOR LASTING PEACE AND MIDEAST SECURITY
According to the White House, Trump and Putin agreed the Ukraine war has gone on too long and needs to end with a real, lasting peace.
They discussed an energy and infrastructure ceasefire as the first… https://t.co/Qo72dHTsVB pic.twitter.com/K3niWSU9hv
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 18, 2025
Ukraine’s Cautious Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed openness to the US proposal while simultaneously warning about Moscow’s potential intentions to use negotiations as a delaying tactic. His administration maintains skepticism about the limited scope of the agreement, which addresses only energy infrastructure rather than a comprehensive cessation of hostilities. Zelenskyy has urged Western allies to maintain pressure on Russia and rejected any suggestions of suspending military aid during negotiations, which he believes would severely weaken Ukraine’s position.
Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have resulted in widespread power outages across the country, significantly impacting civilian populations as winter approaches. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have conducted their own strikes against Russian oil refineries and fuel depots, reducing Russia’s refining capacity. European leaders, including outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have expressed support for Ukraine while calling for a complete ceasefire rather than the limited agreement currently in place.
Middle East Peace Talks and Bilateral Relations
The agreement between Trump and Putin was announced following their direct phone conversation and will include extended peace talks on neutral ground in the Middle East. Both leaders have reportedly acknowledged the necessity of ending the conflict with a lasting peace agreement. The diplomatic initiative represents a significant shift in US-Russia relations under the Trump administration, with both sides expressing interest in improving bilateral relations that have deteriorated significantly in recent years.
During their conversation, Trump and Putin also discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, reportedly expressing a pro-Israel stance. This suggests the talks may address multiple international conflicts simultaneously, potentially creating a more comprehensive diplomatic framework. The decision to hold talks in the Middle East rather than Europe indicates a strategic choice to engage on neutral territory away from NATO influence, though specific location details remain undisclosed.
The situation remains fluid, with significant challenges ahead for any lasting peace agreement. Putin’s insistence on halting Western military aid to Ukraine and Zelenskyy’s equally firm stance on maintaining support create substantial hurdles for negotiators. Whether this initial limited agreement can evolve into a comprehensive peace settlement will depend on complex diplomatic maneuvering in the coming weeks as the 30-day energy infrastructure ceasefire unfolds.
Sources:
Putin Agrees to Pause Attacks on Ukraine Energy Infrastructure in Call With Trump
Russia’s Putin agrees to 30-day halt in attacks on Ukraine energy targets
Trump and Putin to meet in the Middle East for Ukraine peace talks
