Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pause attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for 30 days after a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced that he and Putin agreed to the ceasefire “with the understanding that we will work swiftly toward a complete ceasefire and, ultimately, an end to this devastating war between Russia and Ukraine.”
“Many elements of a contract for peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of humanity, get the job done!,” added Trump.
The White House stated in an official readout of the conversation between Trump and Putin that the ceasefire will also include “technical negotiations on the implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, a full ceasefire, and permanent peace.”
“These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East,” the White House added.
The Kremlin, speaking to Russian state news agency Tass, confirmed that Putin agreed to halt strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days. According to Russia, the ceasefire also includes a prisoner exchange of 175 captives from each side, set for March 19.
Additionally, the Kremlin emphasized that suspending foreign military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine is a key condition to prevent further escalation of the war.
Trump however said during a Fox News interview that aired Tuesday night that aid was not discussed during the call.
“We didn’t talk about aid, actually. We didn’t talk about aid at all. We talked about a lot of things, but aid was never discussed,” Trump stated.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, welcomed the proposal to halt strikes on energy targets. He said he hopes to speak with Trump to learn more about the agreement.
Zelenskyy also expressed hopes that Ukraine’s allies would continue to provide crucial military support to Ukraine. He mentioned having spoken by phone with key allies, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and expressed confidence that the assistance would continue.
