Trump, Putin agree to limited Ukraine energy ceasefire
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The news: Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a 30-day halt on attacks against Ukrainian energy infrastructure but declined to commit to a broader ceasefire after a phone call with US President Donald Trump.
The context: The call lasted about two and a half hours, according to Russian news agency TASS, and focused on a US-proposed 30-day truce, which Ukraine had already accepted.
After the call, the Kremlin said Russia’s conditions for a lasting ceasefire include a suspension of foreign military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine, as well as Kyiv halting troop mobilisation, according to reports.
The White House said Trump and Putin agreed to an “energy and infrastructure ceasefire” from both parties and to begin negotiations “immediately” in the Middle East on a "maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace."
They also discussed US-Russia relations, non-proliferation and Iran, according to the White House.
Russia and Ukraine will exchange 175 prisoners each, including 23 gravely wounded Ukrainian servicemen, according to TASS.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is in Finland to discuss the country's support for Ukraine, has said Ukraine’s sovereignty is not negotiable while warning Moscow’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine.
What they said: "Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia,” the White House said in a statement.
"The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts. They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application. The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel."
