Vladimir Putin has agreed to pause strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure amid ongoing negotiations, but he rejected a full ceasefire without the cessation of U.S. military aid to Ukraine. The phone call with Donald Trump lasted 90 minutes, emphasizing conditions for peace, including Ukrainian involvement in negotiations and a potential prisoner exchange.
In a recent phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made significant decisions concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While he has agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, he has rejected a request for a full 30-day ceasefire. The Kremlin has confirmed that this suspension of strikes will begin immediately as negotiations for a more enduring peace proceed.
Putin has underscored that any progress towards a truce requires the United States and its allies to cease military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine. This demand is viewed as a pivotal condition for initiating a permanent ceasefire. Conversations following the Trump-Putin discussion indicate that dialogue moving towards peace will include discussions on maritime ceasefires and technical negotiations in the Middle East.
The call, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, did not culminate in the desired immediate ceasefire proposed by the U.S. and agreed upon by Ukraine after previous negotiations. However, President Trump conveyed that the discussion fostered an understanding for future cooperation towards a full cessation of hostilities.
Echoing this sentiment, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown willingness to support the proposal but expressed caution regarding the implications of reducing military aid, which he hopes Ukraine’s allies will continue to provide. Amidst the discussions, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that any ceasefire advancements must include the involvement of Ukraine in negotiations.
Furthermore, the Russian foreign ministry announced an arrangement for a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, aiming to release a total of 175 detainees and facilitate the transfer of 23 seriously injured Ukrainian soldiers from Russian medical facilities. Looking ahead, both nations have expressed interest in enhancing bilateral relations, which could encompass significant economic agreements following the establishment of peace.
The recent dialogue between Presidents Trump and Putin has led to a conditional halt on attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, demonstrating a shift in military strategy from Russia. However, the call did not yield the desired full ceasefire, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding military aid to Ukraine. The involvement of international allies and negotiations will be critical as both sides explore avenues for peace and potential economic cooperation post-conflict.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
