US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to a limited ceasefire aimed at protecting energy and infrastructure sites in Ukraine. The agreement followed a lengthy phone conversation between the two leaders on Tuesday.
Ceasefire Agreement Details
Both the White House and the Kremlin released statements shortly after the call. The White House described the deal as a step toward peace and expressed hope for a future maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, along with a complete end to the conflict.
US officials confirmed that negotiations on these measures would begin immediately. However, it remains unclear if Ukraine supports this phased ceasefire plan.
Putin’s Demands on US Military Aid
The Kremlin’s statement highlighted Moscow’s demands, including a “key condition” that requires the immediate end of all foreign military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.
Putin urged Trump to halt US military and intelligence support, claiming that doing so would prevent further escalation in the war, now in its fourth year. Their conversation lasted over an hour, with a White House official noting during the call that it was “going well.”
Discussions on Dividing Assets and Nuclear Plant Control
Earlier on Monday, Trump revealed that Washington and Moscow had discussed dividing assets, including land and power plants, as part of a broader settlement.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the talks included discussions about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine.
Leavitt noted that the plant, seized by Russian forces early in the war, was a major focus of discussions. International bodies continue to warn of nuclear risks as fighting persists near Europe’s largest nuclear power facility.
Zelenskyy’s Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Putin, accusing him of deliberately stalling peace efforts. Zelenskyy emphasized that implementing the ceasefire proposal could have begun much earlier and stressed that “every day in wartime costs human lives.”
Ongoing Negotiations
As diplomatic talks continue, Ukraine remains cautious about any agreement that could undermine its sovereignty and security. The world watches closely to see whether this limited ceasefire will pave the way for lasting peace.