Vladimir Putin has rejected a proposal for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine but agreed to halt attacks on energy and infrastructure.
Russia has repeatedly damaged Ukraine’s energy grid since its invasion in February 2022.
After what the Kremlin called a “frank” phone call with Donald Trump, the two leaders agreed that formal negotiations on a 30-day truce would begin “immediately” in the Middle East.
Ukraine has already agreed to a 30-day truce that would end long-range missile attacks “from the air and sea”, which the US put to Russia.
After the call, the White House said: “The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire”
Leaders continued a detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation surrounding Ukraine.
It was emphasized that the key condition to avoid the escalation of the conflict and to work for its solution by political and diplomatic means must be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the supply of intelligence information to Kiev.
Kremlin Said, US President’s initiative to introduce a 30-day ceasefire, the Russian side has highlighted a number of important points related to the effective control of a possible ceasefire along the entire line of combat, the necessity to stop forced mobilization in Ukraine and rearm the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Kremlin said, Vladimir Putin reported that on March 19, there will be an exchange of prisoners between the Russian and Ukrainian parts of 175 for 175 people. During the conversation, Donald Trump presented a proposal on the mutual denial of the parties in the conflict of attacks for 30 days on the energy infrastructure facilities. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order.
Russian President Office said Leaders confirmed the intention to continue efforts to achieve a bilateral Ukrainian settlement, including taking into account the mentioned proposals of the US President.
Kremlin also said, Mutual interest was expressed in the normalization of bilateral relations in the light of the special responsibility of Russia and the United States to guarantee security and stability in the world.
Kremlin Said, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump addressed other issues of the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Joint efforts will be made to stabilize the situation at crisis points, establish cooperation in nuclear non-proliferation and global security.
Kremlin Said the Russian presidents agreed to stay in touch on all the issues raised.
