President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreed to an immediate ceasefire on infrastructure and energy targets in the War in Ukraine. The move comes as a welcome concession, as the Kremlin has been launching punishing attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure since the war began.
In a Truth Social post, the president announced that his long anticipated call with Putin, which lasted more than two hours, “was a very good and productive one.”
“We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote. “This War would have never started if I were President! Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!”
The Kremlin soon confirmed Trump’s post, stating that Putin had “responded positively” to the proposal of a 30-day energy infrastructure ceasefire “and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order,” according to a press release.
The White House further announced that negotiations on a maritime ceasefire and a full ceasefire are set to begin immediately in the Middle East. The two leaders also discussed ways to improve bilateral relations between Russia and the United States.
“The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside,” the White House said. “This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved.”
Wednesday’s breakthrough comes after weeks of chaotic negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has repeatedly balked on signing an economic cooperation agreement that would provide the United States with a portion of profits from the nation’s minerals sector as backpay for U.S.-provided aid. Zelensky has said he would sign the deal on numerous occasions before backing out.
Last week, Zelensky formally apologized to President Trump for last month’s contentious Oval Office meeting and expressed a willingness to moving forward with negotiations.
During Wednesday’s phone call, Russian President Putin stressed that any negotiations must focus on obtaining a “lasting peace” in the region. “Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace,” the White House announced in a press release.
“They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. 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,” it adds.
“This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.”
