President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia has agreed to a limited cease-fire with Ukraine, which will halt strikes on energy infrastructure by both sides. However, a broader 30-day cease-fire proposed by the U.S. and Ukraine was not agreed upon. This comes as a relief to Ukraine, as they have been targeted by Russian attacks on their energy grid. President Putin emphasized the need for a complete cessation of foreign military support to Ukraine for long-lasting peace during a conversation with President Trump.
Despite the announcement from the Kremlin, air alarms sounded in Ukraine, indicating continued attacks. The Trump administration temporarily suspended military and intelligence aid to Ukraine following a confrontation between Mr. Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky. Discussions between the U.S. and Moscow have led to negotiations for a broader ceasefire, but Mr. Putin laid out conditions unacceptable to Kyiv.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin also discussed potential cooperation in the Middle East, as well as the need to prevent the proliferation of strategic weapons. The White House stated that talks will begin for a maritime cease-fire in the Black Sea and a permanent peace agreement, with technical negotiations commencing immediately.
Overall, the conversation between Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump reveals a complex diplomatic dance as both sides try to navigate towards a peaceful resolution in Ukraine while also exploring broader cooperation in other regions. The fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, control of occupied territory, and security guarantees are all key issues that remain unresolved in efforts to achieve a lasting peace.
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