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In nearly 2-hour call, Trump, Putin agree to limited ceasefire in Ukraine

Putin agreed to stop striking Ukraine's energy infrastructure for 30 days, according to Russian state media.
Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin
Posted 2:17 PM, Mar 18, 2025
and last updated 8:22 PM, Mar 18, 2025

President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for about two hours on Tuesday about a proposed peace agreement with Ukraine, and the two leaders agreed to a limited ceasefire.

"My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one," Trump said on Truth Social. "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."

Russian state media reported that Putin agreed to order his military not to strike Ukraine's energy infrastructure for 30 days. Russian state media also reported that Putin would hand over 23 wounded Ukrainian troops "as a gesture of goodwill."

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This marks the first conversation between President Trump and Putin since Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire during negotiations with the U.S. earlier this month.

"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!" President Trump said.

Following the call, Zelenskyy expressed "skepticism" about a limited ceasefire agreement, but said Ukraine would support the initiative.

"If there is a partial ceasefire, this is a positive result," Zelenskyy said, while speaking to reporters in Finland.

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In addition to discussing a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, President Trump and Putin also spoke about ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with the White House indicating that a de-escalation in the region could prevent future conflicts.

"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," the White House said.