Trump and Putin Reach Agreement on Partial Ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine Conflict
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Synopsis
On March 19, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, halting attacks on energy and infrastructure while initiating negotiations for a full ceasefire and lasting peace.
Key Takeaways
- Agreement on a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Ceasefire includes halting attacks on energy and infrastructure.
- Negotiations for a full ceasefire will start immediately.
- Discussion included the need for better US-Russia relations.
- Concerns over Iran's threat to Israel were addressed.
Washington, March 19 (NationPress) - On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reached an agreement for a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This ceasefire entails a halt to assaults on energy and infrastructure, initiating discussions for a comprehensive ceasefire and lasting peace without delay.
The two leaders engaged in an extensive phone conversation that lasted almost two hours, during which they also covered bilateral ties and the circumstances in West Asia.
The agreement they reached must receive confirmation from Ukraine.
According to a statement from the White House, "The leaders concurred that the journey toward peace will commence with a ceasefire focusing on energy and infrastructure, alongside technical discussions regarding the establishment of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire, and enduring peace."
These negotiations will initiate immediately in the Middle East (West Asia).
Both leaders "recognized that this conflict must conclude with a sustainable peace".
The statement further highlighted that Trump and Putin "emphasized the necessity for enhanced bilateral relations between the US and Russia", suggesting that "a future characterized by improved bilateral relations possesses considerable potential. This encompasses significant economic agreements and geopolitical stability once peace is established".
They also discussed the broader context of West Asia, noting it as a region ripe for collaboration to avert future conflicts.
Iran was also a key topic in their conversation.
Their shared perspective was that "Iran must never be in a position to threaten Israel".
About an hour into the call, Dan Scavino, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Trump, shared on X: "Happening Now -- President Trump is currently in the Oval Office conversing with President Vladimir Putin of Russia since 10 a.m. EDT."
He later provided an update 40 minutes later: "Update: Call still in progress..."
President Trump had first revealed his intention to make the call on Sunday while returning to Washington D.C. from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
This call follows discussions held last week between Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy to West Asia, and President Putin in Moscow.
Witkoff noted that their meeting lasted between three to four hours.
This interaction came on the heels of a meeting involving US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Prior to the Tuesday call, H.R. McMaster, a former National Security Advisor to Trump during his first term, expressed on Fox News that Putin's strategy aims to persuade Trump and the US to agree to a deal that Ukrainian officials would find unacceptable, potentially turning US sentiment against both Ukraine and Europe.
This call signifies a crucial advancement in President Trump's pursuit to conclude the Russia-Ukraine war, which he asserted would not have occurred had he been in office at that time.
