Media Wire Express Correspondent
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a temporary halt to attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following a 90-minute phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The decision, which comes amid ongoing conflict in the region, signals a potential step toward easing tensions, though questions remain about how long the pause will last.
The conversation, which took place on March 18, 2025, focused on finding ways to reduce hostilities and lay the groundwork for peace negotiations. President Trump urged Putin to agree to a full ceasefire, but the Russian leader only committed to a 30-day pause on strikes specifically targeting Ukraine’s power and energy facilities.
The Kremlin described the decision as a “goodwill gesture,” but also made it clear that a broader ceasefire would depend on Ukraine and its Western allies halting military aid and troop movements—an expectation that could complicate further progress.
The White House, meanwhile, welcomed the agreement as an “energy and infrastructure ceasefire” and emphasized that it could serve as the first step toward a larger peace effort. As part of the discussion, both sides agreed to begin technical talks on a possible maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, with negotiations expected to take place in the Middle East.
Despite this apparent breakthrough, there is skepticism over Russia’s true commitment to the pause. Just hours after the phone call, reports surfaced of continued Russian drone strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, raising concerns that the temporary halt may not be fully enforced. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the agreement but said Ukraine would judge it based on actions, not words.
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European leaders reacted with cautious optimism. While they welcomed any move that could reduce the destruction in Ukraine, many expressed concerns about being left out of key discussions. French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated the need for European voices to be included in any peace process, while German officials voiced frustration that the agreement did not extend to a full ceasefire.
As part of the deal, Russia and Ukraine also agreed to a prisoner exchange involving 175 soldiers from each side. However, Putin’s insistence that Ukraine stop mobilizing troops and receiving Western weapons during the truce period has raised questions about whether the agreement can hold.
With the war continuing and diplomatic efforts still in their early stages, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this pause leads to meaningful de-escalation or simply serves as a brief lull before further escalation.
