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US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to pursue a limited ceasefire targeting energy and infrastructure facilities in Ukraine as part of efforts to ease tensions in the ongoing conflict. Following a lengthy phone call on Tuesday, both the White House and the Kremlin released written statements detailing the agreement, marking a potential first step toward peace. The ceasefire plan aims to start with a maritime truce in the Black Sea, with hopes for a full-scale end to hostilities in the future.

A Step Toward Peace or a Stalemate?

In a significant move, the US and Russia have agreed to begin negotiations on a limited ceasefire following a phone conversation between Trump and Putin. The White House described the conversation as a “first step” toward peace and expressed hopes for further discussions leading to a broader cessation of hostilities. The ceasefire would primarily target Russian energy and infrastructure facilities, signaling the beginning of a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Despite the announcement, the Ukrainian government’s response to the ceasefire plan remains uncertain. The US has confirmed that talks will commence immediately, but there has been no official statement from Kyiv regarding the proposal.

US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the developments on X (formerly Twitter), stating that discussions would proceed without delay. However, the unclear position of Ukraine complicates the potential for immediate progress.

Putin’s Conditions: Military Aid to Ukraine Must End

During the phone call, Putin made it clear that Moscow’s key condition for preventing further escalation of the war was a complete halt to US military aid and intelligence support for Ukraine. The Kremlin emphasized that continued Western assistance was exacerbating the conflict and hindering peace efforts. This demand highlights Russia’s ongoing concerns about the role of foreign intervention in the war.

The conversation between Trump and Putin lasted more than an hour, with both leaders discussing a range of issues. While the White House described the exchange as “constructive,” it acknowledged that significant issues remain unresolved.

Trump himself had indicated the previous day that some aspects of a final peace deal had already been agreed upon, though key points would require further negotiation. It remains to be seen how these negotiations will unfold and whether Ukraine’s needs and concerns will be addressed in the discussions.

Nuclear Concerns: Zaporizhzhia Plant Remains a Key Point of Tension

Among the critical issues discussed during the call was the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which was seized by Russian forces early in the war. The facility, located in southeastern Ukraine, continues to be a flashpoint in the conflict due to its potential for catastrophic consequences should fighting continue nearby. International bodies have repeatedly warned of the dangers posed by ongoing clashes near Europe’s largest nuclear facility.

US officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, confirmed that the status of the Zaporizhzhia plant was raised during the conversation. Leavitt had previously mentioned that the plant would be part of the discussion, and Ukraine’s position on the matter would be addressed in future talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly criticized the idea of a ceasefire, accusing Putin of intentionally prolonging the war. Zelenskyy argued that the ceasefire proposal could have been implemented much earlier and emphasized that every day of fighting costs lives. His comments reflect the frustration and skepticism felt by many in Ukraine regarding the possibility of peace under these terms.

The Future of the Ceasefire Proposal: Challenges Ahead

As negotiations continue, it remains unclear whether a lasting ceasefire will be achieved or if the conflict will drag on further. The prospect of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea is seen as a possible first step toward easing tensions, but the larger question of a comprehensive peace deal hinges on many unresolved issues.

Trump’s discussions with Putin mark the beginning of what could be a lengthy and complicated process. While both leaders have expressed a willingness to negotiate, significant hurdles remain, particularly regarding the issue of military aid to Ukraine and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

As the situation develops, global attention will be focused on how these talks progress and whether they can bring about a meaningful reduction in hostilities.