Trump, Putin Agree to 30-Day Ceasefire on Energy and Infrastructure in Ukraine

 

Trump, Putin Agree to 30-Day Ceasefire on Energy and Infrastructure in Ukraine

Talks on Black Sea Maritime Truce to Begin Immediately

US, Russia Seek Path Toward Broader Peace Deal

WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to a limited 30-day ceasefire targeting energy and infrastructure sites in Ukraine, the White House announced on Tuesday. Negotiations on a broader peace deal, including a potential maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, are set to begin immediately in the Middle East.

While Ukraine has accepted the U.S.-proposed truce, Russia has resisted a broader ceasefire, citing concerns that Ukraine might use the pause to reinforce its military. According to the Kremlin, Putin stressed the need to prevent Kyiv from rearming and insisted that any lasting peace agreement would require a halt to Western military aid and intelligence support for Ukraine.

The White House statement confirmed that discussions would focus on implementing the ceasefire and addressing key areas of contention, including the Black Sea conflict. "The leaders agreed that progress toward peace will begin with a pause in strikes on energy and infrastructure, followed by technical negotiations on a maritime ceasefire and a path toward a full ceasefire and permanent peace," the statement read.

Since his return to the presidency in January, Trump has pushed for a 30-day ceasefire, viewing it as a critical step toward ending the war—the most significant conflict in Europe since World War II. The war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties, displaced millions, and devastated entire cities.

Trump has also suggested that a final peace settlement could involve territorial concessions by Ukraine and Russian control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. His outreach to Putin has raised concerns among traditional U.S. allies, who fear the potential impact on Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, currently in Finland to discuss NATO support for Ukraine, has reiterated that Ukraine’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. He insists that Russia must withdraw from all occupied territories and warns that Moscow’s ambitions could extend beyond Ukraine if it retains captured land.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Tuesday that Russia has significantly expanded its military-industrial capacity, signaling potential future confrontations with European democracies.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the need for global unity in strengthening Ukraine’s position. "All must work together to secure a just and lasting peace," his spokesperson stated after a conversation with Trump.

Russia currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, and parts of four eastern Ukrainian regions seized after the 2022 invasion. Putin has justified the war as a response to NATO’s eastward expansion, demanding that Ukraine abandon its goal of joining the alliance.

Additionally, Putin has outlined conditions for peace, including maintaining control over occupied Ukrainian territories, easing Western sanctions, and requiring Kyiv to hold a presidential election. Zelensky, elected in 2019, remains in office under martial law imposed due to the war.