In a significant diplomatic step, President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to a temporary ceasefire on attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure. The move marks the first major step toward peace negotiations, with both leaders discussing broader de-escalation efforts.
The call, which lasted an hour and a half, focused on halting military strikes on power plants and other key infrastructure sites. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump pressed Putin on the need to move toward a lasting peace settlement. “Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace,” she stated.
My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one. We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) March 18, 2025
While the Kremlin confirmed Putin’s order to pause strikes for 30 days, Russia has resisted calls for a full ceasefire without additional conditions. Moscow remains adamant that Western military aid to Ukraine must cease for a long-term resolution to take shape.
Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with President Vladimir Putin:
Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the…
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) March 18, 2025
The White House readout also highlighted discussions on security threats beyond Ukraine, with Trump and Putin both acknowledging concerns over strategic weapons proliferation. The leaders reportedly agreed that Iran should never be allowed to threaten Israel, though details on potential policy changes remain unclear.
JUST IN:
Russian President Putin has agreed to a ceasefire in Ukraine under the conditions that they work for a 'permanent peace'.
Trump made this happen.
Democrats wanted the war to keep going.
We are not the same. pic.twitter.com/pYz1pWPAsM
— AmericanPapaBear (@AmericaPapaBear) March 13, 2025
Trump’s handling of the Ukraine conflict has drawn scrutiny, particularly after he temporarily suspended military aid to Kyiv following a tense meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky. That decision raised concerns among NATO allies, though Trump has argued that a focus on diplomacy rather than military escalation is the best path forward.
Following the call, reports emerged that Russia has hesitations about fully committing to a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire plan, citing enforcement concerns. Putin’s demand for an end to forced mobilization in Ukraine and restrictions on Western arms transfers has created additional hurdles for a more comprehensive peace deal.
The situation remains fluid, with further negotiations expected in the coming weeks. Trump’s approach signals a shift away from past policies that prioritized military support, instead emphasizing diplomatic efforts to bring the war to an end.
