President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a partial ceasefire in Ukraine during a phone call on Tuesday, signaling the first major diplomatic movement toward ending the war. The two leaders discussed halting attacks on energy and infrastructure sites, with plans for further negotiations on broader ceasefire measures in the coming weeks.
According to a White House readout, Trump and Putin both acknowledged the need for peace and agreed that continued destruction serves neither side’s interests. “Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace,” said press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
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
Putin responded positively to Trump’s request for a 30-day halt on Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, according to Kremlin sources. However, Moscow remains skeptical of a full ceasefire, citing concerns over Ukraine’s compliance and the continued flow of Western military aid. The Russian government is demanding a complete cessation of U.S. and NATO support for Kyiv as part of any long-term agreement.
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 negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East, with a particular focus on securing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. The Trump administration is also aiming to improve relations with Moscow, a shift from the previous administration’s aggressive posture toward Russia.
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
The call also touched on broader global security concerns, including strategic arms proliferation and Middle Eastern stability. Both leaders agreed on the importance of preventing Iran from threatening Israel, though Putin did not directly commit to any new actions regarding Tehran’s influence in the region.
This diplomatic effort follows Trump’s recent decision to freeze some military aid to Ukraine and his insistence that Kyiv enter economic agreements with Washington before receiving further support. The shift has been met with resistance from NATO allies, but Trump has maintained that his goal is to force a negotiated settlement rather than prolong the conflict.
Despite Putin’s willingness to pause certain strikes, he stopped short of agreeing to the 30-day full ceasefire proposal backed by the U.S., warning of “serious risks” if Ukraine does not uphold its commitments. The next phase of negotiations will determine whether this initial progress can lead to a more comprehensive resolution or if tensions will persist.
For now, a temporary reprieve from infrastructure attacks provides a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, but with both sides still wary, the road to a lasting peace remains uncertain.
