President Putin agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during a call with President Trump but rejected a full ceasefire. Ukrainian President Zelensky is open to discussing energy truce details. Concerns about enforcing agreements and foreign military support remain unresolved in ongoing negotiations.
In a recent call between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, the Russian leader did not agree to a full ceasefire in Ukraine but consented to pause attacks on energy infrastructure. Putin maintained that a comprehensive ceasefire could only be achieved if foreign military aid to Ukraine ceased, a condition previously dismissed by Ukraine’s European allies. The call resulted in a significant shift in the Trump administration’s stance, indicating a move away from the proposed month-long ceasefire negotiated with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.
The two presidents agreed to initiate further peace discussions immediately in the Middle East, indicating that diplomatic channels remain open. In response to the proposed pause in energy attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a willingness to consider a truce but requested more specific details before proceeding. He mentioned the need for direct communication to clarify what concessions would be made.
Trump characterized the call as “very good and productive,” emphasizing a commitment to halting attacks on energy and infrastructure, with a vision for achieving a full ceasefire. However, the White House’s messaging did not mention the earlier agreement made in Jeddah that called for a complete ceasefire. Instead, it highlighted the focus on an energy ceasefire leading to broader negotiations.
The Kremlin noted significant concerns regarding the enforcement of any agreement with Ukraine and reiterated that the cessation of foreign support for Ukraine is crucial for Russia. Both leaders agreed on technical discussions towards a longer-term resolution but clarity on the nature of these talks remains uncertain. Experts and observers are skeptical, suggesting that Putin’s reaction may indicate a strategy to delay while imposing stringent conditions for peace negotiations.
In summary, the call between President Putin and President Trump resulted in a pause on attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but refrained from establishing a full ceasefire. Both leaders expressed a willingness to further discuss peace, albeit amidst contrasting conditions from Russia regarding foreign military aid. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial to monitor the implications of these discussions on the broader conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
