The president Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a lengthy call on Tuesday to an immediate pause in the attacks on energy infrastructure targets in the war in Ukraine, but the Russian leader did not endorse a broader 30-day ceasefire that the U.S. government is pushing for.
The White House described it as the first step in a “movement towards peace” that it hopes will eventually include a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a complete and lasting end to the fighting.
What did Donald Trump say about the conversation with Putin?
Through his social network Truth Social, the President of the United States said that “My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was very positive and productive. We agreed to an immediate ceasefire in all energy and infrastructure, with the understanding that we will work quickly to achieve a complete ceasefire and, ultimately, the end of this terrible war between Russia and Ukraine.” He also added that “This process is now in full force and effect, and we hope, for the sake of Humanity, we will succeed in getting the job done!”
The White House added that negotiations “would begin immediately” in the Middle East regarding those steps.
According to the New York Times, in the conversation Putin insisted that for lasting peace, all military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine should be suspended.
Shortly after the call between Trump and Putin, air raid alerts sounded in Kiev, followed by explosions in the city. Local authorities urged people to seek shelter.
What did Ukraine say about Putin’s response?
It was not clear yet if Ukraine agrees with the limited ceasefire plan.
Ukrainian officials had proposed a ceasefire covering the Black Sea, long-range missile attacks, and the release of prisoners in their meeting with the US delegation in Saudi Arabia this month.