President Trump and Putin reach a limited ceasefire deal on Ukraine, with Russia agreeing to halt energy infrastructure attacks for 30 days while peace talks begin in the Middle East.
Quick Takes
- Russia agreed to a 30-day pause in attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but rejected a broader ceasefire proposal.
- Peace talks are set to begin immediately in the Middle East, with a focus on energy infrastructure and maritime ceasefires.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed cautious openness but warned of Moscow’s possible delaying tactics.
- Putin emphasized that stopping foreign military aid to Ukraine is crucial for resolving the conflict.
- The agreement resulted from a direct phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin.
Partial Ceasefire Agreement Reached
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days following a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump. The limited agreement falls short of the broader ceasefire proposal backed by the United States, as Putin cited concerns that Ukraine might use a complete truce to regroup and rearm. Despite this reservation, both leaders have committed to beginning peace negotiations immediately, with the talks scheduled to take place on neutral ground in the Middle East.
The White House confirmed that negotiations regarding a maritime truce in the Black Sea and discussions toward a broader ceasefire will commence without delay. This development marks a potential turning point in the conflict that has devastated Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, leaving millions facing power outages during harsh winter conditions. Russian attacks have systematically targeted power stations and distribution networks, while Ukraine has conducted retaliatory strikes against Russian oil refineries.
🇺🇸🇷🇺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 approached the ceasefire proposal with measured optimism while expressing significant reservations about Russian intentions. Zelenskyy warned that Moscow might be using the limited agreement as a tactic to postpone meaningful negotiations while continuing other forms of aggression. He has urged Western allies to maintain pressure on Russia to achieve a comprehensive peace deal, emphasizing that any suspension of military aid would only embolden Russian forces.
European leaders have largely aligned with Ukraine’s position, with outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz calling for a complete ceasefire rather than the limited pause in energy infrastructure attacks. The partial nature of the agreement has generated skepticism in Kyiv, where officials worry that Russia could exploit the situation to gain diplomatic advantage while continuing military operations in other sectors of the conflict zone.
Russian Conditions and Broader Implications
Putin has made it clear that any lasting resolution to the conflict depends on Western nations ceasing military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine. This stance reflects Russia’s persistent narrative that Western involvement has prolonged the war. The agreement between Trump and Putin also indicates a potential shift in US-Russia relations, with both leaders expressing interest in improving bilateral ties that have deteriorated significantly in recent years.
The Middle East location for the peace talks carries additional significance as both leaders also discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. According to reports, both Trump and Putin expressed pro-Israel positions during their conversation, suggesting the talks might address multiple regional conflicts. The diplomatic initiative represents a major development in international efforts to resolve a war that has displaced millions and caused extensive destruction throughout Ukraine.
As technical negotiations prepare to begin, attention now turns to whether this limited agreement will lead to more comprehensive peace talks or merely provide a temporary pause in one aspect of the conflict. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this diplomatic opening represents a genuine path toward resolution or becomes another chapter in the protracted struggle for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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
