On Tuesday, President Donald Trump held a critical call with Russian President Vladimir Putin as the U.S. pushed for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
According to a White House statement, Putin expressed support for Trump’s proposal to halt attacks on energy infrastructure but did not commit to the 30-day truce Ukraine had already accepted. Despite Trump’s optimism about Moscow’s potential cooperation, the White House emphasized that both leaders agreed on the need for a lasting peace and better U.S.-Russia relations, arguing that the resources spent on war should instead benefit their citizens.
The statement also noted that the path to peace would begin with a ceasefire on energy and infrastructure, followed by technical negotiations on maritime and full ceasefires. These discussions were set to start immediately in the Middle East.
Following the call, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism but acknowledged that a partial ceasefire would be a positive step. Meanwhile, Trump described the conversation as “very good and productive,” saying they had agreed to an immediate halt on attacks against energy and infrastructure, with further negotiations to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire and end the war.
The Kremlin’s statement confirmed Putin’s support for a temporary halt on energy-related attacks but raised concerns about enforcing a broader ceasefire. Moscow also insisted that ending the war should involve halting Ukraine’s military mobilization and cutting off foreign military aid.
Trump’s administration had previously paused military and intelligence support for Ukraine after a confrontation with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, only resuming aid after Ukraine agreed to the 30-day ceasefire. Zelenskyy, responding to questions about Trump’s relationship with Putin, said he hoped to speak directly with Trump to clarify details. He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to ceasefire efforts, particularly concerning energy infrastructure and naval corridors, but stressed that any peace agreement must involve Ukraine directly to be effective.
