Vladimir Putin has agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure following a significant phone conversation with Donald Trump. However, Putin did not agree to a full 30-day ceasefire, a proposal that Ukraine had accepted the previous week, which dampened Trump's hopes for a swift resolution to the conflict. The Kremlin stated that Putin insisted on the cessation of all Western military aid to Kyiv before considering such a plan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed openness to the idea of both sides ceasing attacks on each other's infrastructure but awaited further details on the agreement. Trump described the discussion positively, stating on his social media platform that they had a "very good and productive" conversation, agreeing on an immediate ceasefire concerning energy and infrastructure, with the aim of achieving a complete ceasefire and ending the war.
The Kremlin announced that Putin had instructed the Russian military to stop targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Despite this, air raid alerts were triggered in Kyiv shortly after the call, followed by explosions as Ukrainian defenses engaged Russian drones near the capital. Zelenskyy later reported that Russia had launched over 40 drones targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital in Sumy.
Zelenskyy indicated he was waiting for more information from the U.S. and planned to discuss the details with Trump to understand the offers exchanged during the call. If both sides adhere to the agreement, it would mark the first partial ceasefire since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In an interview, Trump acknowledged the challenges of achieving a ceasefire, noting Russia's strategic advantage. He denied discussing aid with Putin, focusing instead on broader issues. Trump described himself as a "nationalist" with strong relationships with global leaders, including Putin.
Trump mentioned that discussions included elements of a peace agreement, emphasizing the need to end the conflict for humanitarian reasons. The White House confirmed that negotiations for a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full ceasefire would begin immediately in the Middle East.
During the call, Putin reiterated his concerns about enforcing a ceasefire and the potential for Ukraine to bolster its forces with Western aid. The Kremlin outlined conditions for a lasting ceasefire, including halting Western military support and Ukraine's mobilization efforts.
Putin's demands for peace talks included addressing the root causes of the conflict and ensuring Russia's security interests. These demands involve keeping Ukraine out of NATO, demilitarizing the country, and maintaining control over regions annexed by Moscow in 2022.
There are concerns that the U.S. might prioritize a deal over Ukraine's interests, especially as Europe continues to support Kyiv with military aid. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for a complete ceasefire and Ukraine's involvement in any agreement.
The White House is reportedly considering recognizing Crimea as Russian territory as part of a potential peace deal, which could involve pressuring the UN to do the same. Russian officials expressed satisfaction with the conversation between Putin and Trump, describing it as a successful call.