IRIA News

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Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to halt strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following a highly anticipated phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, offering a glimmer of hope for easing the conflict. However, the Russian leader refused to support the immediate and full 30-day ceasefire sought by Trump and endorsed by Ukraine.

After more than two hours of talks on March 18, 2025, Putin agreed only to a limited pause on energy strikes for 30 days. He also demanded a “complete cessation” of foreign military assistance to Kyiv, according to the Kremlin. While Putin’s limited ceasefire agreement represents a first step toward de-escalation, the broader ceasefire remains uncertain.

Trump and Putin agreed to begin “technical negotiations” over a possible maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, ultimately aiming for a full ceasefire and permanent peace. The White House described the discussion as a significant step towards peace, emphasizing the necessity for a lasting resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Both leaders concurred that the resources expended in the war would be better allocated to the needs of their respective populations.

“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,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She added that both leaders acknowledged that “the blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.”

President Trump expressed optimism about the conversation, stating, “We had a great call. It lasted almost two hours.” He further elaborated that both he and President Putin discussed various elements of a potential peace agreement, acknowledging the heavy toll the conflict has taken on soldiers from both sides.

Russia’s conditions for a ceasefire

Despite agreeing to the limited ceasefire, President Putin refrained from endorsing a full 30-day truce. The Kremlin’s statement highlighted Russia’s readiness to work towards a peaceful resolution but underscored the necessity of addressing the root causes of the crisis and ensuring Russia’s legitimate security interests.

A key condition set forth by Russia is the complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine. The Kremlin also expressed concerns regarding Ukraine’s history of violating agreements, emphasizing the need for effective control over any potential ceasefire.

Additionally, in response to President Trump’s appeal to spare the lives of Ukrainian soldiers trapped in the Kursk region, Putin confirmed that Russia was open to humanitarian considerations, stating that Ukrainian servicemen who surrender would be treated “in accordance with Russian laws and the norms of international law.”

Ukraine’s response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who arrived in Helsinki, Finland, for an official visit on Tuesday shortly after Trump and Putin’s call ended, acknowledged the proposal to halt attacks but expressed the need for more details before fully committing to the plan.

He accused President Putin of effectively rejecting a comprehensive ceasefire, citing continued Russian drone attacks that targeted civilian infrastructure, including a hospital in Sumy and power facilities in Slovyansk. Zelenskyy remarked, “Unfortunately, there have been hits, specifically on civilian infrastructure.” About 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been destroyed by Russian bombs, Zelenskyy said last September.

“This war has two sides — Russia and Ukraine. And negotiating without Ukraine, in my view, is pointless,” Zelenskyy told reporters. However, he said he would agree to the energy infrastructure deal. “It cannot be a one-sided deal where Russia continues hitting our energy sector while we remain silent. We will respond. But if both sides — Ukraine and Russia — commit to refraining from such attacks, our side will uphold it,” he said.

In the hours following the Trump-Putin call, both Russia and Ukraine reported continued hostilities. Ukrainian forces claimed to have intercepted 63 out of 137 Russian drones launched overnight, while Russian officials reported a Ukrainian drone attack that caused a fire at an oil depot in the Krasnodar region. These incidents underscore the fragility of the limited ceasefire and the complexities involved in achieving a comprehensive peace agreement.

In Belgorod, a Russian region on the border with Ukraine, the governor said the situation “remains difficult”. Moscow said that Ukrainian forces attempted a ground assault on Belgorod but were pushed back.

International reactions

The international community has responded with a mix of cautious optimism and skepticism. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized President Putin’s demands to halt Western military support to Ukraine as “unacceptable,” accusing the Russian leader of “playing a game.” He emphasized that such conditions undermine efforts toward a genuine resolution of the conflict.

In a parallel development, military leaders from over 30 nations supporting Ukraine are scheduled to convene in London to discuss forming a “coalition of the willing.” This coalition aims to prepare for potential troop deployments to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.

Notably, the United States is not part of this initiative, as it is engaged in separate negotiations with Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron asserted that this force would operate without seeking Russia’s consent, with contributions potentially encompassing logistics and surveillance support.

Challenges to the peace process

The outcomes of the Trump-Putin call highlight the intricate challenges inherent in negotiating peace in the Ukraine conflict. While the agreement to pause attacks on energy infrastructure represents a tentative step forward, the lack of consensus on a comprehensive ceasefire and Russia’s additional demands present significant obstacles.

Analysts caution that President Putin’s partial concessions may be a strategic maneuver to buy time as Russian forces continue operations in eastern Ukraine. The insistence on halting Western military aid to Ukraine is viewed by many as a non-starter, given the geopolitical stakes and commitments to Ukrainian sovereignty.

The negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, set to continue in Saudi Arabia, will be critical in determining the feasibility of a broader ceasefire and the establishment of lasting peace. The involvement of key stakeholders, including Ukraine and its Western allies, will be essential in addressing the complex security concerns and geopolitical dynamics at play. The international community remains watchful, hopeful for a resolution that upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty while ensuring regional stability.

The recent dialogue between President Trump and Putin marks a cautious advancement toward mitigating the conflict in Ukraine. The agreement to cease attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days offers a glimmer of hope, yet the path to a comprehensive and lasting peace remains fraught with challenges.

The international community’s role in supporting diplomatic efforts and addressing the underlying issues will be pivotal in shaping the future of the region. As negotiations proceed, the world watches with bated breath, yearning for an end to a conflict that has exacted a heavy toll on all involved.