Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but rejected calls for a full ceasefire, following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Putin declined to support a comprehensive, month-long truce negotiated by U.S. officials and Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia. He stated that a full ceasefire would only be possible if foreign military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine ceased, conditions previously dismissed by Ukraine’s European allies.
Despite the impasse, Trump and Putin agreed to further peace talks in the Middle East. However, the outcome of the call marks a shift in Washington’s position from a week ago, when U.S. negotiators persuaded Kyiv to accept a proposal for an “immediate” 30-day ceasefire across land, air, and sea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a willingness to consider the proposed energy infrastructure truce but sought further details.
“I think it will be right that we will have a conversation with President Trump and we will know in detail what the Russians offered the Americans or what the Americans offered the Russians,” Zelensky said.
Trump described the discussion with Putin as “very good and productive,” stating on Truth Social that both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire on energy and infrastructure while working toward a broader resolution.
“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 very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote.
Following last week’s talks in Jeddah, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said “the ball” was in Russia’s court after Ukraine accepted the U.S. ceasefire proposal. However, the White House statement after the Trump-Putin call did not mention that agreement, instead outlining a phased approach: an initial ceasefire on energy infrastructure, negotiations on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, and eventual discussions on a full ceasefire and lasting peace.
The Kremlin’s statement on the call emphasized “significant issues” regarding the enforcement of any agreement with Kyiv. Russian officials reiterated that ending foreign support for Ukraine remained a “key condition” for a broader settlement.
Trump and Putin agreed to immediate technical-level talks aimed at a long-term resolution. The Kremlin stressed that any settlement must be “complex, stable, and long-term in nature,” but did not clarify whether upcoming negotiations would primarily involve the U.S. and Russia or direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
