Trump and Putin Agree to Ceasefire on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure but Wider Truce Remains Uncertain
In a high-stakes phone call on Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to an immediate pause in strikes targeting energy infrastructure in Ukraine. However, Putin stopped short of endorsing Trump’s proposed 30-day ceasefire, which Washington has been pushing as a step toward ending the war.
The White House hailed the agreement as a move toward peace, with hopes that it would pave the way for a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and eventually a full resolution to the war. However, shortly after the call, air raid sirens blared in Kyiv, followed by explosions, prompting local officials to urge residents to seek shelter.
Putin’s Conditions and Ukraine’s Response
According to the Kremlin, Putin reiterated his demands, including an end to foreign military and intelligence support for Ukraine. However, Trump later denied that this issue had been discussed during his conversation with the Russian leader.
Moscow continues to insist on Ukraine withdrawing its forces from four regions annexed by Russia, renouncing its NATO ambitions, and significantly reducing its military. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Russia’s intentions, emphasizing the need for full transparency in any peace negotiations.
“There are two sides in this war—Russia and Ukraine. Trying to negotiate without Ukraine will not be productive,” Zelenskyy stated, adding that Ukraine remains open to discussions that lead to a fair and lasting peace.
Prisoner Exchange and Ceasefire Talks
Putin informed Trump that both Russia and Ukraine would exchange 175 prisoners of war on Wednesday, with Russia also set to return 23 wounded Ukrainian soldiers. The prisoner swap comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a broader ceasefire.
Ukrainian officials had previously agreed to Trump’s proposed 30-day ceasefire during talks in Saudi Arabia, but Zelenskyy remains doubtful about Putin’s willingness to honor any deal. Despite limited signs of progress, Russia continues its military operations, intensifying skepticism about its true intentions.
Shifting U.S.-Russia Relations
Trump has made ending the Ukraine war a key priority, often at the risk of straining ties with American allies who seek to hold Russia accountable for the invasion. The former president has frequently touted his relationship with Putin and has even blamed Ukraine for prolonging the war.
Reports suggest that Trump and Putin discussed the division of certain Ukrainian assets, including control over energy infrastructure, though official statements from both sides made no mention of land or power plants. Discussions also touched on the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a key energy hub seized by Russia early in the war.
Concerns Over Ukraine’s Position
Trump has repeatedly asserted that Putin holds the upper hand in the conflict, stating that Ukrainian forces are now in retreat. He claimed that Russian troops had encircled Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region—an assertion that Kyiv has dismissed as misinformation.
Despite recent Ukrainian counteroffensives, Russia has maintained its grip on key territories, leaving Ukraine in a weaker negotiating position. As Trump pushes for a ceasefire, concerns grow that any agreement without Ukrainian input could undermine the country’s sovereignty.
Middle East and U.S.-Russia Relations
Beyond Ukraine, Trump and Putin also discussed tensions in the Middle East, reportedly agreeing that “Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel.” The conversation follows U.S. claims that Iran has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles and drones for use in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, in a lighter exchange, Putin proposed organizing ice hockey matches between Russian and American players from the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Trump reportedly supported the idea, signaling a continued interest in normalizing U.S.-Russia relations despite the ongoing war.
Looking Ahead
As Trump pushes for a broader ceasefire, questions remain about whether Putin is genuinely interested in peace or merely using negotiations to solidify Russia’s territorial gains. While the temporary pause in attacks on energy infrastructure marks a step forward, the war’s future remains deeply uncertain.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-call-ceasefire-russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-0d2ca5b69761082979dd9836932ae84f