President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have taken a critical first step toward ending hostilities in Ukraine, agreeing to a temporary ceasefire on strikes against the country’s energy infrastructure. The two leaders engaged in a 90-minute phone call on Tuesday, discussing broader peace measures and ways to de-escalate tensions.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the call centered on the need for diplomacy over prolonged conflict. “Both leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire,” she stated, adding that further talks on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea are set to begin immediately.
My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia 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…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) March 18, 2025
Following the call, the Kremlin announced that Putin had ordered a temporary 30-day pause in attacks on Ukraine’s power grid but indicated that a full ceasefire remains conditional. Moscow is pressing for an end to military aid from the West, arguing that continued arms shipments undermine efforts to secure lasting peace.
Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with President Vladimir Putin:
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. They also stressed the…
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) March 18, 2025
The call also covered geopolitical tensions beyond Ukraine. Trump and Putin discussed ways to prevent nuclear escalation, with both sides acknowledging the need to prevent Iran from developing the capability to threaten Israel. However, the Kremlin’s readout did not mention any firm commitments regarding Iran’s role in regional stability.
Trump’s strategy toward the war has seen a shift in U.S. involvement, with his administration reassessing Washington’s role in Ukraine’s defense. His decision to halt certain military aid packages has raised concerns among allies, but Trump remains focused on brokering a peace deal rather than prolonging the conflict.
JUST IN:
Russian President Putin has agreed to a ceasefire in Ukraine under the conditions that they work for a 'permanent peace'.
Trump made this happen.
Democrats wanted the war to keep going.
We are not the same. pic.twitter.com/pYz1pWPAsM
— AmericanPapaBear (@AmericaPapaBear) March 13, 2025
While the ceasefire on infrastructure attacks is a positive step, Putin remains hesitant to commit to a broader agreement without further concessions. The Russian president’s insistence on cutting off Western military support to Kyiv remains a key sticking point.
With negotiations set to continue, the next phase of talks will determine whether this temporary agreement can serve as a foundation for a permanent ceasefire or if hostilities will resume under new conditions.
