Russian bombs reportedly hit Ukraine shortly after a deal between Trump and Putin
In Washington, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pause airstrikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure but dismissed a wider ceasefire, potentially breaking his promise after a lengthy and direct phone conversation with US President Donald Trump. The two leaders engaged in a nearly two-hour discussion on Tuesday morning, aiming to facilitate a swift ceasefire and peace agreement without US military involvement.
Putin consented to a 30-day halt on attacks targeting energy infrastructure, such as gas plants and power lines. However, he did not agree to the comprehensive ceasefire on land, air, and sea that the US and Ukraine had hoped for. According to a White House summary, the leaders agreed that the path to peace would start with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, alongside technical talks on implementing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, leading to a full ceasefire and lasting peace.
Negotiations are set to begin immediately in the Middle East, with both leaders acknowledging the need for a durable resolution to the conflict. Despite this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported Russian drone attacks on the country just hours later. Reports indicated that energy infrastructure in Slovyansk had been targeted.
Zelensky emphasized that only a genuine cessation of strikes on civilian infrastructure by Russia could bring peace closer. He expressed support for the 30-day energy facility ceasefire and planned to discuss the details of the phone call with Trump.
Recently, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian oil and gas facilities following a public disagreement between Trump and Zelensky and a brief suspension of US military aid to Kyiv. The Kremlin's account of the call highlighted Putin's concerns about a full 30-day ceasefire, emphasizing the need to stop foreign military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
Putin also agreed to humane treatment for Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region if they surrendered. An exchange of 175 prisoners was planned for March 19, with Russia offering to return 23 injured Ukrainian soldiers.
Trump described the call as "great" and lasting nearly two hours, focusing on achieving a complete ceasefire and ending the war. The Kremlin called it a detailed and open exchange, appreciating Trump's genuine desire to resolve the conflict.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a strong supporter of Ukraine, criticized Putin's rejection of an unconditional ceasefire, suggesting it was part of a strategy to weaken Ukraine.
Analysts had mixed reactions to the limited ceasefire agreement. Some viewed it as a predictable outcome, indicating Russia's lack of commitment to peace. Others saw it as a positive step, with Moscow making a concrete concession in response to Trump's peace efforts, although the reported strikes in Slovyansk might undermine this progress.
Since Putin's major escalation of the conflict in February 2022, diplomatic relations with the West have been strained. However, in the call, both leaders expressed a desire to improve US-Russia relations, discussing potential economic cooperation and strategic collaboration in the Middle East. They also addressed the need to prevent the proliferation of strategic weapons and ensure Iran does not threaten Israel.
The Kremlin praised the Trump administration's support for Russia in a recent UN vote on the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, Trump backed Putin's proposal for NHL and KHL players to compete in matches held in both the US and Russia.