In a recent phone conversation between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, the Russian leader agreed to temporarily suspend attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, but outright acceptance of a comprehensive ceasefire remains off the table. This dialogue marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the complexity of peace negotiations.
Putin’s Conditions for a Ceasefire
During the call, Putin rejected a proposed month-long ceasefire that had been discussed in Saudi Arabia by the US and Ukrainian representatives. He asserted that a lasting truce could only be achieved if foreign military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine ceased, a condition that has been met with resistance from Ukraine’s European allies.
Steve Witkoff, the US envoy to the Middle East, announced that discussions regarding Ukraine would continue in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as the international community seeks to navigate the complexities of the situation.
Recent Developments in Ukraine
As the conflict enters its third year, Russia has reportedly regained control of territory in its Kursk region that had been occupied by Ukrainian forces. The outcome of the recent call between Trump and Putin reflects a shift in the US’s previously firmer stance on the matter. However, both leaders concurred on the necessity of ongoing peace talks in the Middle East.
Following the call, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in Helsinki for an official visit, expressed a willingness to consider a ceasefire focused on energy infrastructure but emphasized the need for more detailed discussions. He criticized Putin for refusing a comprehensive ceasefire amidst ongoing Russian drone strikes, which included attacks on civilian infrastructure such as a hospital in Sumy and power facilities in Slovyansk.
“Unfortunately, there have been hits, specifically on civilian infrastructure,” Zelensky stated on social media. “Today, Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire.”
Despite Trump characterizing the call as “very good and productive,” and noting that “many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed,” the situation remains tense. He emphasized an understanding between the two leaders to cease attacks on energy and infrastructure while aiming for a comprehensive cessation of hostilities and an end to the ongoing war.
According to Zelensky, approximately 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been severely damaged by Russian assaults. In retaliation, Ukraine has conducted drone and missile strikes targeting key Russian energy facilities.
Hours after Putin’s agreement to pause energy attacks, both nations accused each other of launching aerial assaults. Zelensky reported that Russia had deployed over 40 drones against Ukraine shortly after the call, while officials in Russia’s Krasnodar region claimed a Ukrainian drone attack had resulted in a fire at an oil depot.
As the situation unfolds, the Kremlin noted several significant challenges to enforcing any agreement with Kyiv, stressing that the end of foreign support for Ukraine is crucial for any negotiations to progress. Trump and Putin have agreed to initiate immediate technical-level discussions aimed at achieving a longer-term settlement, although the nature of these talks—whether they will involve Russia and the US or direct discussions with Ukraine—remains uncertain.
The Kremlin also revealed that Trump endorsed Putin’s proposal for ice hockey matches between professional players from the US and Russia, a gesture aimed at re-establishing connections in the sports community that were severed in the wake of the conflict.
As the world watches closely, the outcome of this pivotal phone call may be seen as another instance of Putin buying time while imposing stringent conditions on the prospect of peace. With continued insistence on maintaining control over occupied territories and calls for the easing of Western sanctions, the road to a lasting resolution appears fraught with challenges.
Amidst these developments, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated the need for a complete ceasefire, calling the limited agreement an essential initial step. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine in a conversation with Zelensky following the Trump-Putin call.