Putin Halts Energy Strikes but Rejects Ceasefire in Call with Trump
Putin has agreed to halt energy infrastructure strikes but rejected a full ceasefire proposal following a call with Trump. He insists on the cessation of foreign military aid to Ukraine as a condition for a permanent ceasefire. The two leaders aim for negotiations toward peace, while Zelenskyy expressed concerns over U.S. military aid dependency. A prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine is also expected soon.
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has agreed to cease attacks on Ukraine’s energy plants but has rejected an immediate 30-day ceasefire proposal during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Kremlin announced that Russian military operations targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure would stop immediately, although a comprehensive ceasefire remains contingent on the cessation of arms and intelligence support to Ukraine by the U.S. and its allies.
While the agreement allows for negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire, it falls short of the immediate ceasefire Ukraine had consented to after U.S.-led discussions in Saudi Arabia. Trump noted that the leaders reached a mutual understanding to expedite a complete ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict.
During the call, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, a White House statement outlined a plan for peace that includes an energy and infrastructure ceasefire. It is anticipated that diplomatic discussions, possibly in the Middle East, will begin immediately to facilitate a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and overall peace. Russia acknowledged a positive response to Trump’s proposal for ceasing energy attacks.
However, Putin emphasized the necessity of halting foreign military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine as a condition for further negotiations. Trump, in a subsequent interview, clarified that the topic of military aid to Ukraine was not brought up during their conversation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed support for the ceasefire proposal but hoped to clarify details with Trump regarding discussions with Russia. He insisted that military aid to Ukraine should not be halted. Pressured earlier this month, Zelenskyy had previously agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal in response to U.S. demands.
Following the disclosure of the call’s details, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that any ceasefire must involve Ukraine in negotiations. Furthermore, the Russian foreign ministry announced a prisoner exchange is scheduled, with both nations releasing 175 detainees and transferring injured Ukrainian soldiers from Russian facilities. The White House indicated that potential economic agreements could arise once a peace deal is reached, alongside Putin’s suggestion for ice hockey matches between the two countries’ leagues.
In summary, Vladimir Putin has ceased attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector while rejecting an immediate full ceasefire, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to halt military support to Ukraine. This agreement follows a significant call with Donald Trump, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace. Both countries are engaging in discussions on humanitarian exchanges and possible future economic cooperation, though Ukraine remains cautious regarding military aid.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
