The ongoing conflict in Ukraine sees a conditional pause as negotiations unfold.
**Putin Halts Energy Attacks in Ukraine, Ceasefire Discussions Remain Elusive**
**Putin Halts Energy Attacks in Ukraine, Ceasefire Discussions Remain Elusive**
In a call with Trump, Russian President Putin halts energy offensives but declines a full ceasefire.
In a development following a crucial phone call with US President Donald Trump, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, though he has dismissed the possibility of an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. This decision emerges despite recent efforts by Trump's administration to broker a month-long ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.
Putin emphasized that a successful truce would necessitate the cessation of foreign military support and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, conditions that have been met with resistance from Ukraine's European allies. Amidst this ongoing conflict, US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that discussions regarding the war will continue in Jeddah on Sunday.
This war, now in its third year, has recently seen Russia regain territory in its Kursk region, which had been previously occupied by Ukrainian forces. The outcome of Trump's conversation with Putin marks a shift in US strategy, with both sides agreeing to initiate further peace talks in the Middle East immediately. During a prior meeting, a US delegation successfully persuaded Ukrainian representatives to accept a proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire.
While President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had just arrived in Finland for an official visit, expressed openness to the energy truce, he stressed the need for more details. He accused Putin of disregarding a full ceasefire amid ongoing Russian attacks, including strikes on civilian infrastructure. Zelensky noted that Russia targeted hospitals and energy facilities in the aftermath of the call.
Trump described his conversation with Putin as "very good and productive," stating that they discussed various elements of a potential peace contract, including the agreement to halt energy infrastructure attacks as a preliminary step toward establishing a complete ceasefire and ultimately ending the ongoing war.
Despite the recent developments, Zelensky warned of further conflicts, reporting that Russian forces had launched numerous drone attacks in the hours following the Trump-Putin call. Ukraine, in turn, conducted drone strikes targeting oil facilities within Russia, and officials reported ground assaults between Ukrainian and Russian forces in Belgorod.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that the onus was on Russia after Ukraine accepted the ceasefire proposal, yet the White House's statement following the call pointed solely toward an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, omitting the comprehensive ceasefire negotiations.
The Kremlin highlighted "significant issues" hindering the enforcement of any agreements and reiterated its stance that ending foreign military support to Ukraine is a critical prerequisite for peace. Both leaders have reportedly committed to advancing discussions toward a long-term settlement, although clarity on the nature of these talks remains vague.
Additionally, there were discussions on reestablishing ice hockey matches between US and Russian players, an event that has been curtailed since the conflict began. While some leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have expressed support for Ukraine, the real implications of these negotiations remain uncertain as Putin appears to condition any progress on concessions that Kyiv may be unwilling to make.
Putin emphasized that a successful truce would necessitate the cessation of foreign military support and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, conditions that have been met with resistance from Ukraine's European allies. Amidst this ongoing conflict, US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that discussions regarding the war will continue in Jeddah on Sunday.
This war, now in its third year, has recently seen Russia regain territory in its Kursk region, which had been previously occupied by Ukrainian forces. The outcome of Trump's conversation with Putin marks a shift in US strategy, with both sides agreeing to initiate further peace talks in the Middle East immediately. During a prior meeting, a US delegation successfully persuaded Ukrainian representatives to accept a proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire.
While President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had just arrived in Finland for an official visit, expressed openness to the energy truce, he stressed the need for more details. He accused Putin of disregarding a full ceasefire amid ongoing Russian attacks, including strikes on civilian infrastructure. Zelensky noted that Russia targeted hospitals and energy facilities in the aftermath of the call.
Trump described his conversation with Putin as "very good and productive," stating that they discussed various elements of a potential peace contract, including the agreement to halt energy infrastructure attacks as a preliminary step toward establishing a complete ceasefire and ultimately ending the ongoing war.
Despite the recent developments, Zelensky warned of further conflicts, reporting that Russian forces had launched numerous drone attacks in the hours following the Trump-Putin call. Ukraine, in turn, conducted drone strikes targeting oil facilities within Russia, and officials reported ground assaults between Ukrainian and Russian forces in Belgorod.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that the onus was on Russia after Ukraine accepted the ceasefire proposal, yet the White House's statement following the call pointed solely toward an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, omitting the comprehensive ceasefire negotiations.
The Kremlin highlighted "significant issues" hindering the enforcement of any agreements and reiterated its stance that ending foreign military support to Ukraine is a critical prerequisite for peace. Both leaders have reportedly committed to advancing discussions toward a long-term settlement, although clarity on the nature of these talks remains vague.
Additionally, there were discussions on reestablishing ice hockey matches between US and Russian players, an event that has been curtailed since the conflict began. While some leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have expressed support for Ukraine, the real implications of these negotiations remain uncertain as Putin appears to condition any progress on concessions that Kyiv may be unwilling to make.
