President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 90-minute phone call on Tuesday, reaching an agreement to begin de-escalation efforts in Ukraine by halting attacks on critical energy and infrastructure targets. The conversation marked the most significant step toward peace negotiations since Trump took office in January.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the call as an important moment in pushing for a ceasefire. “The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire,” she stated. The discussion also touched on broader peace efforts, including upcoming technical negotiations focused on securing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.
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
Following the conversation, reports emerged that Putin had instructed Russian forces to pause strikes on Ukraine’s power grid for 30 days. However, the Kremlin emphasized that Moscow would not agree to a full ceasefire without additional terms, including an end to Western military aid to Ukraine.
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
Trump has long criticized the approach taken by previous administrations, arguing that excessive military support for Ukraine has prolonged the war instead of facilitating a diplomatic resolution. His decision to temporarily halt military aid to Kyiv after a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raised concerns among NATO allies but signaled a shift toward diplomatic negotiations.
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 covered international security concerns beyond Ukraine. Trump and Putin reportedly discussed the need to prevent Iran from acquiring capabilities that could threaten Israel, though the Kremlin’s readout made no mention of this aspect of the discussion.
While the temporary ceasefire on energy infrastructure is a breakthrough, the long-term success of these talks remains uncertain. Putin’s insistence on curbing military support for Ukraine could be a major sticking point in future negotiations. The next phase of talks will test whether this agreement serves as the foundation for broader peace efforts or merely delays further conflict.
