In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to pursue a limited ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The White House announced that during a lengthy phone call on Tuesday, March 18, both leaders expressed a mutual desire to reduce hostilities targeting energy and infrastructure. Described as the first step toward a “movement to peace,” this agreement aims to eventually lead to a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full, lasting end to the conflict.
“Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace,” the White House said in a statement. “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.”
Negotiations are set to begin immediately in the Middle East, though it remains unclear whether Ukraine supports the phased ceasefire plan. Ukrainian officials had previously proposed a limited ceasefire covering the Black Sea, halting long-range missile strikes, and releasing prisoners during talks with the U.S. delegation in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.
President Putin welcomed President Trump’s calls for a maritime ceasefire and agreed to begin negotiations to work out specific details. He also told Trump that Russia and Ukraine would exchange 175 prisoners of conflict on Wednesday, with Russia handing over 23 severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers, according to the Kremlin.
However, tensions remain as Putin urged Trump to end foreign military and intelligence support to Ukraine. Trump, in turn, stated that the White House is pushing Russia to sign off on a 30-day ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the conflict. While Ukrainian officials agreed to the 30-day ceasefire last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Putin’s readiness for peace, citing Russia’s continued attacks.
This engagement marks a significant shift in U.S.-Russia relations as Trump makes ending the conflict a top priority, even amidst potential strain with longtime American allies.
