Putin agrees to temporary halt on Ukraine Energy Strikes after call with Trump

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

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RKI Network

Moscow/Washington – Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a 30-day suspension of strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following a call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Kremlin confirmed.

During the 90-minute conversation, both leaders discussed potential de-escalation measures, with a focus on mitigating the humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s power grid. The agreement does not extend to a full ceasefire, but talks are expected to continue regarding a broader resolution to the conflict.

According to Kremlin sources, Putin emphasized that a lasting ceasefire would require Ukraine to halt military operations and foreign military aid to be reconsidered. The two sides also agreed to initiate technical discussions on a possible maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.

As a confidence-building measure, both nations agreed on a prisoner exchange, with 175 detainees from each side set to be released. Additionally, Russia has committed to releasing 23 wounded Ukrainian soldiers currently in its custody.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the suspension of energy strikes but remained cautious, emphasizing Ukraine’s sovereignty and the need for continued international military assistance. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, stressed that any peace efforts must involve direct negotiations with Kyiv.

The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with hopes that the temporary halt in hostilities could pave the way for further diplomatic progress.