U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and agreed to work toward a limited ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. This agreement mainly focuses on stopping attacks on energy and infrastructure targets. The White House described this as the “first step in a movement to peace.”

What did Trump and Putin agree on?

During the call, President Trump proposed a 30-day ceasefire on strikes against energy infrastructure. According to the White House, President Putin agreed to this and immediately instructed the Russian military to follow the order.

The Kremlin called the discussion a “detailed and frank exchange of views.” Putin listed several conditions for a broader ceasefire, including stopping forced mobilisation in Ukraine and halting the rearmament of the Ukrainian military.

Additionally, both sides agreed to exchange 175 prisoners each on Wednesday.

The White House said this is only the beginning of efforts to achieve a more extensive ceasefire. Future negotiations will include talks about a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and an eventual end to all fighting.

How did Ukraine respond?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported the idea of stopping attacks on energy infrastructure. He said, “Our side will support this.” He also expressed hope to speak with President Trump to understand the details of the call between Trump and Putin.

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine would support any proposal leading to "stable and just peace.” He told reporters, “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.”

However, it’s still unclear if Ukraine fully supports the phased ceasefire plan outlined by Trump and Putin.

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