In a phone call on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to immediately end the war in Ukraine and end attacks on energy and infrastructure targets, but Putin refrained from accepting a broader US-proposed 30-day ceasefire.
First Steps Towards a Ceasefire
The White House viewed the meeting between Trump and Putin as the beginning of steps towards a naval ceasefire and a permanent end to hostilities in the Black Sea. The White House announced that negotiations would also “start immediately” in the Middle East. However, following the meeting, airstrike warnings were issued in Kiev and explosions were experienced. Local authorities tried to ensure security by calling civilians to shelters.
Putin's Ceasefire Conditions and the Situation in Ukraine
Putin stressed the need to determine the conditions of the ceasefire and the importance of establishing a mechanism to control violations. The Russian leader noted that Ukraine's participation in the limited ceasefire plan was not yet clear. Ukraine had previously presented a ceasefire proposal covering the Black Sea region and long-range missile strikes in talks held in Saudi Arabia.
“We have agreed to declare an immediate ceasefire on all energy and infrastructure targets, with the goal of bringing about a complete ceasefire and eventual end to this terrible war between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump said in a statement after the meeting. The Kremlin said it welcomed Putin’s calls for a maritime ceasefire and agreed to begin negotiations.
Prisoner Exchange and Strategic Changes
After the meeting, the Kremlin shared information that Russia and Ukraine would exchange 175 prisoners of war each. Russia also announced that it would hand over 23 seriously wounded soldiers to Ukraine. Putin demanded that Trump end foreign military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine. These demands include preventing Ukraine from joining NATO and efforts to protect the Russian language and culture.
Trump's Relations with Putin and the Situation in Ukraine
Trump has previously stated that he has a strong relationship with Putin and has occasionally expressed his admiration for Putin. Trump also touched on Ukraine’s lack of a strong negotiating position and Russia’s claims that it has encircled Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. Ukraine has made significant territorial gains over the past year but is currently backing down due to ceasefire talks with Russia.
Trump claimed that he prevented Russia from taking action against Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk, while the White House announced that the leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed that Iran poses no threat to Israel.
Trump and Putin’s meeting could be a critical turning point in the Ukraine war and global security. However, Putin’s refusal to accept certain terms and considering Ukraine’s current situation, further negotiations will be necessary to achieve a full ceasefire. These developments will continue to affect geopolitical balances around the world.
