Trump and Putin announce pause on Russia-Ukraine energy infrastructure strikes
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President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a series of steps to work toward an eventual ceasefire in Ukraine following a two-hour call on Tuesday.
- Putin continued to signal, however, that he has major reservations about the unconditional ceasefire Trump has proposed, according to the Kremlin.
Why it matters: The most significant announcement from the call was what the White House referred to as an "energy and infrastructure ceasefire."
- The Kremlin said Russia was prepared to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for 30 days, and the White House statement signaled Ukraine will also be expected to comply.
- Kyiv has conducted drone strikes in recent days on Russian fuel facilities, while Russia has made repeated attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure a key element of its war effort.
- While far short of the full halt Trump has been seeking to all fighting, including along the front lines, the plan is similar to a previous Ukrainian proposal to halt aerial attacks prior to a full ceasefire.
The latest: Several hours after Putin agreed with Trump on a ceasefire on energy infrastructure, Russia launched dozens of attack drones, including some that targeted civilian infrastructure in several Ukrainian cities, according to local press reports.
- "It is precisely such night attacks by Russia that destroy our energy, our infrastructure, the normal life of Ukrainians. And the fact that this night was no exception shows that we must continue to put pressure on Russia for the sake of peace," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Driving the news: The Kremlin said in a readout of the call between Putin and Trump that there would be a prisoner swap with Ukraine involving 175 soldiers from each side.
- Putin told Trump Russia's key conditions for a full ceasefire are the complete cessation of foreign military aid to Ukraine and an end to intelligence sharing with Kyiv, the Kremlin said.
- The Kremlin said Trump was the one who offered the 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure. "Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order," the Kremlin said.
Trump posted on Truth Social that his conversation with Putin was "a very good and productive one," adding that "[m]any elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed."
- Trump said there is "an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine."
Zelensky on Tuesday said he wants to speak to Trump to get more details about his phone call with Putin but stressed Ukraine will support a proposal for stopping attacks on energy infrastructure.
- Zelensky added that a "partially unconditional" ceasefire would be a positive development but said Ukraine's partners won't agree to Putin's condition to stop weapons supply to Kyiv during the ceasefire.
- He said releasing all Ukrainian prisoners of war would be a good way for Russia to show good will during peace talks.
What's next: The White House readout said there would now be "technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea," as well as negotiations toward "permanent peace."
- "These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East," per the statement.
- Previous talks between the U.S. and the warring parties have taken place in Saudi Arabia.
Between the lines: Ukraine agreed last week to the U.S. proposal for a full, immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, but Putin so far hasn't.
- The Russian president earlier laid out a series of conditions and requests for clarification he wants addressed before he agrees to stop the fighting.
The big picture: The White House said Trump and Putin also discussed the need to "stop proliferation" of nuclear weapons and to improve ties.
- "The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved," per the White House statement.
This is a breaking news story and has been updated with additional details throughout.

