WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House reported that a lengthy phone call took place between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which resulted in progress towards “movement to peace” regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Although the call concluded with Trump and Putin agreeing to an immediate halt on attacks targeting energy infrastructure, the Kremlin specified that Russia has numerous additional conditions before it will contemplate a wider ceasefire.
Much of the notably briefer statement from the White House looks forward to Trump’s aspirations for improved relations with Russia.
Read the statements released by both the White House and the Kremlin reflecting their interpretations of the discussions between Putin and Trump:
What the White House said
Today, Presidents Trump and Putin discussed the essential need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. Both leaders concurred that this conflict must conclude with a sustainable peace, emphasizing the importance of improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The resources expended by both Ukraine and Russia in this war would be better allocated to the needs of their people.
This conflict should have never begun and should have been resolved long ago with genuine peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the path to peace would commence with a ceasefire on energy and infrastructure, along with technical negotiations on implementing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, a complete ceasefire, and a lasting peace. These negotiations will commence immediately in the Middle East.
The leaders conversed broadly about the Middle East as a potential area for cooperation to avert future conflicts. They further emphasized the necessity to halt the proliferation of strategic weapons and pledged to collaborate with others to ensure the widest possible enforcement of this goal. Both leaders shared the conviction that Iran should never be allowed a position to threaten Israel.
They acknowledged that a future characterized by an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia presents tremendous advantages, including significant economic agreements and geopolitical stability once peace is attained.
What the Kremlin said
The leaders engaged in an in-depth and candid discussion regarding the situation in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for his commitment to assisting in the honorable task of ceasing hostilities and reducing human suffering.
Reaffirming his dedication to peacefully resolving the conflict, the Russian President indicated his willingness to collaboratively explore viable resolutions with his American counterparts, which must be comprehensive, sustainable, and long-lasting. Importantly, this process must address the fundamental causes of the crisis and safeguard Russia’s legitimate security interests.
Regarding the U.S. President’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, the Russian side presented several crucial considerations concerning effective monitoring of a potential ceasefire along the entire contact line, the necessity of halting forced mobilization in Ukraine, and refraining from the rearmament of Ukrainian armed forces. The serious risks posed by the Kyiv regime’s history of failing to adhere to agreements were also highlighted, given its past actions of sabotaging and breaching previously established accords.
Attention was drawn to the atrocious terrorist acts committed by Ukrainian fighters against civilians in the Kursk region. It was emphasized that a key condition for avoiding the escalation of conflict and working towards its resolution through political and diplomatic means should include a complete halt to foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence to Kyiv.
In line with Donald Trump’s recent request to preserve the lives of Ukrainian soldiers encircled in the Kursk region, Vladimir Putin affirmed that Russia is prepared to act upon humanitarian grounds, guaranteeing the lives and humane treatment of any Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel who might surrender according to Russian law and international norms.
During their discussion, Donald Trump proposed that both parties mutually abstain from attacking energy infrastructure for 30 days. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this proposal and immediately instructed the Russian military to comply.
The Russian President also reacted constructively to Donald Trump’s suggestion about ensuring maritime safety in the Black Sea. They agreed to initiate negotiations to further develop concrete details of such an agreement.
Vladimir Putin announced that on March 19, a prisoner exchange would take place between the Russian and Ukrainian sides, with 175 individuals released on each side. Additionally, as a gesture of goodwill, 23 severely injured Ukrainian soldiers currently receiving treatment in Russian medical facilities will be handed over.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to ongoing bilateral efforts to achieve a settlement regarding Ukraine, which will take into consideration the proposals presented by the U.S. President. To this end, expert groups from both Russia and the U.S. will be established.
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump also discussed various other international issues, including conditions in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. They plan to collaborate on stabilizing these conflict-prone areas, as well as fostering cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and global security. This, in turn, is expected to bolster the overall atmosphere of Russian-American relations. A positive example of their cooperation is the unified vote at the U.N. regarding the Ukrainian conflict resolution.
They expressed mutual interest in normalizing bilateral relations, emphasizing the special responsibility that Russia and the United States have in ensuring global security and stability. They reviewed a multitude of areas for potential collaboration between their nations.
A range of ideas were exchanged that aim at fostering mutually beneficial cooperation in both the economy and energy sectors.
Donald Trump endorsed Vladimir Putin’s suggestion of organizing hockey matches between players from the NHL in the United States and the KHL in Russia. The presidents agreed to maintain ongoing communication regarding all discussed matters.
