Putin agrees to pause strikes on Ukraine energy targets for 30 days: Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a proposal for total pause on fighting in Ukraine, but agreed to some actions in a “frank” phone call with US President Donald Trump.
North America
Don't miss out on the headlines from North America. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure targets but indicated lasting peace would not come until the flow of foreign aid and intelligence to Kyiv stopped.
Mr Putin’s concession falls short of the 30-day ceasefire agreed to by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week and it is unclear if he will accept Russia’s proposal.
After a 90-minute phone call between US President Donald Trump and Mr Putin, the White House issued a statement saying steps were being taken toward a full ceasefire, starting with a halt on attacks on energy and infrastructure targets.
“This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts,” the statement said.
“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.”
Mr Trump was positive about the development, describing his phone call with Mr Putin as “a very good and productive one”.
He said the energy and infrastructure agreement was made with an understanding that it was the first step to a complete ceasefire and an end to “this very horrible war”.
“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 Zelensky would like to see it end,” Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of humanity, get the job done!”
It’s understood Russia and Ukraine will take part in a prisoner swap following the call, with both sides to hand over 175 prisoners including 23 seriously injured Ukrainian servicemen.
The White House said both leaders agreed “the conflict needs to end with a lasting peace”.
“They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia,” it said.
“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.”
The Kremlin said Mr Putin has “responded positively” to the peace talks and was willing to continue negotiations.
The White House said the pair also spoke about the Middle East conflict and “the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons”.
The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel,” the statement said.
The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside.
“This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved.”
Mr Zelensky last week agreed to a proposal by the US to take steps to end the war during a meeting in Saudi Arabia, contingent on acceptance by Russia.
The United States agreed to immediately restore military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv as a result of the agreement.
“Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the U.S. proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation,” a joint statement from the US and Ukraine governments said.
“The United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace.”
Hours before the call between the Russian and US presidents, Mr Zelensky accused Mr Putin of dragging out the long-running conflict.
“For a week now, Putin has been unable to squeeze out ‘yes’ to the ceasefire proposal,” Mr Zelensky said.
“He’s saying whatever he wants, but not what the whole world wants to hear.
“The unconditional ceasefire proposal is essentially about saving lives, allowing diplomats to work on ensuring security and a lasting peace—the proposal that Russia is ignoring.”
Mr Zelensky, who is on an official visit to Finland, is yet to comment on the outcome of the phone call between Washington and Moscow.
Update: Call still in progress… https://t.co/CTNVULUgbE
— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) March 18, 2025
It comes as Mr Trump said he hoped to convince Russia’s leader to agree to an immediate 30-day ceasefire in the bloody war, less than a week after Ukraine accepted the proposal.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino revealed Mr Trump and Mr Putin had been on a call for more than an hour on Tuesday morning (Wednesday 2am EDT).
“Happening Now — President Trump is currently in the Oval Office speaking with President Vladimir Putin of Russia since 10:00am EDT,” Mr Scavino posted on X.
“The call is going well, and still in progress.”
Mr Trump last night said he hoped to convince Mr Putin of the need for a ceasefire.
“Many elements of a final agreement have been agreed to, but much remains,” Mr Trump said.
“Thousands of young soldiers, and others, are being killed.
Each week brings 2500 soldier deaths, from both sides, and it must end NOW.
“I look very much forward to the call with President Putin.”
The talks come a week after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accepted a proposal by the US to take steps to end the war during a meeting in Saudi Arabia, contingent on acceptance by Russia.
The United States agreed to immediately restore military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv as a result of the agreement.
More Coverage
Originally published as Putin agrees to pause strikes on Ukraine energy targets for 30 days: Kremlin
Harry’s US visa documents unsealed amid drug claims
Documents related to Prince Harry’s US visa application have been unsealed in court after a long-running legal row.
Revealed: Diddy and Kanye’s prison phone call
The contents of the bombshell phone call between Kanye West and Sean “Diddy” Combs about the song featuring Kim Kardashian’s daughter North have been leaked. See the transcript.