What did Presidents Putin and Trump agree on regarding Ukraine?
President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump had a phone call that lasted approximately two hours.
According to RIA Novosti, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump had a telephone conversation lasting approximately two hours. The Russian leader reacted positively to the idea of the parties in the conflict jointly refraining from attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days and issued corresponding orders to the military.
Regarding Ukraine, the two leaders continued to exchange detailed and frank views on the situation. President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his fundamental commitment to a peaceful solution to the conflict. Putin responded positively to the idea of both sides abandoning attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days.
“President Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the military appropriate command authority. The Russian side raised several important points regarding ensuring effective control of any potential ceasefire along the combat contact line,” the Kremlin statement said.
In this context, Moscow has pointed out the need to end the forced mobilization and rearmament of the Ukrainian armed forces.
The Kremlin stated: "A crucial condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and moving toward a resolution through political and diplomatic means is the complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence sharing to Kyiv."
President Putin affirmed that Russia guarantees the lives of Ukrainian soldiers besieged in the Kursk region should they surrender.
Today (March 19), Russia and Ukraine will conduct a prisoner exchange according to the "175 for 175" formula. Moscow will hand over to Kyiv 23 Ukrainian armed forces soldiers who are seriously wounded and receiving treatment in Russia.
Moscow and Washington have agreed to establish expert groups to address the Ukrainian crisis. The Russian president declared his readiness to cooperate with American partners on feasible solutions that are comprehensive, sustainable, and long-lasting. This includes taking into account the absolute need to eliminate the root causes of the crisis, as well as Russia's legitimate security interests.
Regarding bilateral relations and the international situation, President Trump and President Putin discussed issues related to developing mutually beneficial cooperation in the economic and energy sectors.
The Russian leader gave a constructive response to the initiative on maritime security in the Black Sea. In addition, the two presidents discussed international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Both sides agreed that Iran could never destroy Israel.
Following a phone call with his American counterpart Donald Trump, President Vladimir Putin ordered a 30-day halt to attacks on energy facilities in Ukraine.
Commenting on the phone call between the leaders, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that President Donald Trump is once again taking a leadership role in paving the way for peace.
