In a Tuesday phone call with President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin committed to a 30-day pause on attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but declined a full ceasefire spanning the same period. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky endorsed the limited deal, though Putin’s refusal to halt all fighting dims prospects for an immediate resolution.
The agreement emerged from extended talks between Trump and Putin, focusing on reducing damage to energy sites in Ukraine and Russia. The White House hailed it as a move toward peace, announcing that discussions for a Black Sea truce and a wider settlement would begin soon, with a meeting set for Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism, suggesting a full ceasefire could follow shortly.
Putin directed Russian forces to stop energy strikes but maintained hardline demands, including a complete cutoff of Western military support to Ukraine—a condition Zelensky can’t meet. Hours after the call, Russia launched over 40 drones, striking a hospital in Sumy and areas near Kyiv, prompting Zelensky to accuse Putin of stalling peace efforts.
Trump described the nearly two-hour discussion as productive, emphasizing a shared goal to end the conflict. However, Putin’s insistence on retaining captured Ukrainian territory and his rejection of the broader truce—already accepted by Ukraine—highlight ongoing tensions.
The next round of talks will test whether this energy pause can expand into a lasting deal, as Russia controls roughly 20% of Ukraine and continues its eastern advance.
Be First to Comment