Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump for a 30-day halt in attacks on energy infrastructure between Russia and Ukraine, the Kremlin announced Tuesday after an extended phone conversation between the two leaders.
According to a White House readout, both nations will begin negotiations “immediately” in the Middle East to discuss implementing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.
“The leaders agreed that the path to peace will start with a temporary ceasefire on energy and infrastructure, alongside technical discussions on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, leading toward a full ceasefire and lasting peace,” the statement said.
Trump had been pushing Putin to accept the U.S.-backed ceasefire, which Ukraine had already endorsed, as part of broader efforts to secure a permanent peace deal to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. The war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties, displaced millions, and devastated entire towns.
While Putin had previously expressed support for the truce in principle, he had insisted that several key conditions be addressed before halting military operations. His forces have been fighting in Ukraine since the invasion began in February 2022.
