Putin agrees to limited Ukraine ceasefire after lengthy call with Trump
He emphasised a key condition “should be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv”.
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Moscow’s summary said Putin agreed to the 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure and had already given Russian troops the corresponding order.
He also agreed to spare the lives of any Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region and extend them decent treatment in the event of their surrender, the readout said.
Putin also said the two sides would each exchange 175 prisoners on March 19, and Russia would add another 23 injured Ukrainian soldiers being treated in Russian hospitals.
Before the call, Zelensky said it was clear Putin wanted to drag out the war. “For a week now, Putin has been unable to squeeze out ‘yes’ to the ceasefire proposal. He’s saying whatever he wants, but not what the whole world wants to hear,” Zelensky said on X.
“The unconditional ceasefire proposal is essentially about saving lives, allowing diplomats to work on ensuring security and a lasting peace– the proposal that Russia is ignoring. Pressure is needed to finally make Moscow accept that their war must be brought to an end.”
The US and Russian summaries of the call both said the two leaders agreed on improving and normalising the bilateral relationship and working together in the Middle East.
The White House readout referred to “enormous economic deals” that could come from US-Russia co-operation. “They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application. The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel.”
Meanwhile, the Kremlin said the two countries shared a “special responsibility … for ensuring security and stability in the world”.
In particular, it praised the Trump administration’s decision to side with Russia at a recent United Nations vote on the Ukraine conflict.
According to the Kremlin’s summary, Trump also supported Putin’s suggestion National Hockey League and Kontinental Hockey League players should compete against each other in matches held in the US and Russia.
More to come
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