President Trump and Putin agree to pause energy attacks in Ukraine, but Russia's demand for a halt in military aid complicates a full ceasefire.**
Trump and Putin's Call Yields Energy Truce, But Ceasefire Remains Elusive**
Trump and Putin's Call Yields Energy Truce, But Ceasefire Remains Elusive**
Limits on Ukraine's military support hinder full ceasefire agreement following high-profile discussions.**
In a significant yet cautious interaction, President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have decided to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, Putin has declined to commit to a full ceasefire amid ongoing conflicts. This outcome comes after a crucial phone call between the two leaders, where Trump aimed to secure a comprehensive truce through a revival of discussions initiated in Saudi Arabia.
Putin emphasized that any broad ceasefire would require a complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine, a condition that Ukraine's European allies have firmly opposed. While Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed provisional agreement to the energy ceasefire, he insisted on reviewing the specifics that were discussed between Trump and Putin.
Following the phone call, Trump deemed it productive, indicating a willingness to work towards a complete cessation of hostilities. He noted on social media that discussions included the grim reality of soldier casualties and the mutual desire to end the conflict.
However, the White House’s reporting after Trump and Putin's discussion notably lacked any mention of the previously agreed proposal with Kyiv for a month-long ceasefire, suggesting a shift in the administration's stance. Instead, it highlighted the commitment to an energy ceasefire as a preliminary step towards broader negotiations, which might also contemplate a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.
While both leaders agreed to engage in immediate talks towards establishing a longer-term settlement, the Kremlin underlined existing hurdles in enforcing any agreement with Ukraine, and proposed foreign support cessation as a critical condition for Russia's cooperation. Observers suggest that Ukraine might perceive Putin's approach as a stalling tactic, aimed at solidifying leverage over American support, thus complicating ongoing peace efforts in the region.
Putin emphasized that any broad ceasefire would require a complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine, a condition that Ukraine's European allies have firmly opposed. While Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed provisional agreement to the energy ceasefire, he insisted on reviewing the specifics that were discussed between Trump and Putin.
Following the phone call, Trump deemed it productive, indicating a willingness to work towards a complete cessation of hostilities. He noted on social media that discussions included the grim reality of soldier casualties and the mutual desire to end the conflict.
However, the White House’s reporting after Trump and Putin's discussion notably lacked any mention of the previously agreed proposal with Kyiv for a month-long ceasefire, suggesting a shift in the administration's stance. Instead, it highlighted the commitment to an energy ceasefire as a preliminary step towards broader negotiations, which might also contemplate a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.
While both leaders agreed to engage in immediate talks towards establishing a longer-term settlement, the Kremlin underlined existing hurdles in enforcing any agreement with Ukraine, and proposed foreign support cessation as a critical condition for Russia's cooperation. Observers suggest that Ukraine might perceive Putin's approach as a stalling tactic, aimed at solidifying leverage over American support, thus complicating ongoing peace efforts in the region.
