U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed that a permanent peace agreement is necessary to end the war in Ukraine. The two leaders held a phone conversation on Tuesday (March 18) for over two hours, during which they emphasized the importance of improving bilateral relations, according to a statement from the White House.
The White House statement noted that both Ukraine and Russia have suffered significant human and economic losses due to the conflict. It emphasized that these resources should have been used for the benefit of their people. The statement also mentioned that the war should never have started and should have ended long ago through sincere peace efforts.
According to the Kremlin, President Putin has agreed to a proposal from Trump, under which both Russia and Ukraine will refrain from attacking each other’s energy infrastructure. Additionally, a 30-day ceasefire will be implemented, and Putin has already instructed the Russian military to comply.
During the conversation, both leaders had a detailed and open discussion about the Ukraine crisis. Putin stated that any resolution must be comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term, taking into account Russia’s security concerns and the root causes of the war.
The two leaders also discussed the 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Ukraine had agreed to last week. However, the Kremlin noted that Putin raised key concerns regarding Ukraine potentially using the ceasefire period to rebuild its military strength.
The Kremlin further emphasized the need to reduce tensions and find a political and diplomatic solution by halting foreign military aid and intelligence support to Kyiv.
This discussion is being seen as an important step toward resolving the Ukraine crisis. However, the effectiveness of the ceasefire and peace negotiations remains uncertain. The international community continues to urge stronger efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict.