Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have agreed to a partial ceasefire in Ukraine following historic talks. The two Presidents agreed to the first steps towards peace with Putin agreeing to pause strikes on energy targets for 30 days.
Officials hailed the landmark agreement, declaring “the world has become a much safer place.” But the Russian tyrant rejected a proposal for an immediate end to the conflict, meaning fighting will continue in the three-year-old war which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Halting attacks on energy and infrastructure targets comes after both sides have used missiles and drones to hit pipelines, refineries, and power stations deep inside each other’s countries during the war.
The announcement came following a marathon 90-minute call between the two strongmen.
Both leaders also agreed to begin negotiations on a next step – a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, which is an important shipping route.
Eventually, step-by-step, the partial ceasefires could lead to a total truce.
But Putin’s red lines remain intact and he has not shifted from his original goals of a Nato rollback or a demilitarised Ukraine.
The despot said that he would not agree to a full ceasefire until all military aid to Ukraine from the US and its allies stopped.
A prisoner swap was also confirmed to happen today (Wed), with a 175-for-175 exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
Putin said he would hand over 23 injured Ukrainian soldiers as a gesture of good will.
The tyrant also assured the US President that Ukrainian troops surrendering in Kursk would be treated humanely as Kyiv’s troops retreat from their incursion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is yet to comment on the agreement.
Mr Trump and the Russian leader also spoke about peace in the Middle East and agreed that Iran should not be in a position to destroy Israel.
The pair also discussed ice hockey matches between the US and Russia which could be held between the two nations.
The high-stakes conversation was their first since Ukraine agreed to support a US-led ceasefire proposal.
In a statement following the call the White House said: “Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace.
“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.
“This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts.”
Giving details about the partial ceasefire, the statement added: “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.”
The White House confirmed that negotiations will “begin immediately” in the Middle East.
“The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts,” the readout said.
“They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application.
“The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel.
“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.”
The Kremlin said in a statement that the two leaders had a “detailed and frank exchange of views” on Ukraine during the phone call.
Putin said during the call that a resolution of the conflict must be “comprehensive, sustainable and long-term”, taking into account Russia’s own security interests and the root causes of the war.
The Kremlin said: “It was emphasized that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution by political and diplomatic means should be a complete cessation of foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv.”
Downing Street confirmed Sir Keir Starmer spoke to President Trump ahead of the call.
The Prime Minister told Mr Trump that Ukraine must be put in the “strongest possible position” in order to secure a “just and lasting peace” in the war with Russia.
Following a call between Sir Keir and Mr Trump on Monday night, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister updated the president on his coalition of the willing call with international leaders that took place on Saturday.
“He reiterated that all must work together to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to secure a just and lasting peace.”
Sir Keir and French president Emmanuel Macron have been leading efforts to form a “coalition of the willing” made up of nations prepared to offer troops or support to a peacekeeping force if there is a deal to end the war.