Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to suspend attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during negotiations for a lasting ceasefire, a move confirmed by both the White House and the Kremlin on Tuesday. However, Russia has stipulated that a comprehensive ceasefire will only follow if Ukraine’s allies, including the United States, halt all arms shipments and intelligence support to Kyiv.
The development emerged from a 90-minute phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin, held on Tuesday afternoon local time. While the agreement falls short of the immediate 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S.—and previously accepted by Ukraine following talks in Saudi Arabia last week—Trump hailed it as progress. “We’ve reached an understanding to work quickly toward a complete ceasefire and an end to this devastating war,” he said. A White House statement detailed the plan: “The leaders agreed to start with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, followed by technical negotiations for a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, a full ceasefire, and permanent peace, with talks beginning immediately in the Middle East.”
The Kremlin described the exchange as “detailed and frank,” noting Putin’s swift order to the Russian military to pause energy strikes after Trump’s proposal. Yet Russia’s foreign ministry underscored Putin’s broader conditions for a 30-day truce, insisting that “the complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence to Kyiv” is critical to prevent escalation and enable a diplomatic resolution.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported the energy ceasefire but sought clarity on the U.S.-Russia discussions. “I hope to speak with President Trump soon to understand exactly what was offered,” he told Reuters while urging allies to maintain military aid despite Russia’s demands. Earlier this month, Zelenskyy had reluctantly agreed to the U.S.’s 30-day ceasefire proposal after Washington briefly cut intelligence and aid, pressuring Kyiv with threats of a full withdrawal.
European leaders voiced concerns over the process. In separate statements, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that no ceasefire can succeed without Ukraine’s direct involvement. “There cannot be an agreement without Ukraine,” Scholz said, calling for a swift, comprehensive truce.
Additional measures signal tentative goodwill. Russia’s foreign ministry announced a prisoner exchange set for Wednesday, with each side releasing 175 detainees and transferring 23 seriously injured Ukrainian soldiers from Russian hospitals. Both nations hinted at improving relations, with the White House suggesting “enormous economic deals” post-peace and Russia noting Trump’s support for Putin’s idea of ice hockey matches between U.S. and Russian league players.
Despite the optimism, doubts linger. Ukraine fears Russia could exploit the pause to regroup, while Putin’s conditions challenge Western commitments. The path to a broader peace remains uncertain as negotiations shift to the Middle East.