President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a lengthy phone call on Tuesday, reaching an initial agreement on steps toward ending the war in Ukraine. The two leaders discussed the importance of peace and agreed to begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, signaling the first formal movement toward de-escalation since the conflict began in 2022.

According to a statement from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the call emphasized the need for a lasting resolution. “Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the U.S. and Russia,” Leavitt said.

My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one. We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) March 18, 2025

As part of this first step, Trump and Putin agreed to halt attacks on energy and infrastructure sites, with negotiations set to begin immediately on broader ceasefire measures. Talks will reportedly take place in the Middle East, focusing on implementing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and eventually securing a full and permanent end to hostilities.

Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with President Vladimir Putin:

Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the…

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) March 18, 2025

The Kremlin confirmed Putin’s willingness to pause Russian strikes on Ukrainian power plants for 30 days following Trump’s request. However, Moscow expressed concerns over an unconditional ceasefire proposal, warning that enforcement mechanisms and Ukraine’s adherence to the agreement remained uncertain.

JUST IN:

Russian President Putin has agreed to a ceasefire in Ukraine under the conditions that they work for a 'permanent peace'.

Trump made this happen.

Democrats wanted the war to keep going.

We are not the same. pic.twitter.com/pYz1pWPAsM

— AmericanPapaBear (@AmericaPapaBear) March 13, 2025

Beyond Ukraine, Trump and Putin also discussed broader geopolitical stability, particularly in the Middle East. Both sides acknowledged the importance of preventing the spread of strategic weapons and agreed that Iran must never be in a position to destroy Israel.

This move follows Trump’s recent pivot away from unconditional military aid to Ukraine, a shift that has raised concerns among NATO allies. The decision to freeze some forms of assistance to Kyiv has further complicated relations, but Trump’s approach is aimed at pushing for negotiations rather than prolonging the war.

While this agreement marks the first significant diplomatic breakthrough in the conflict, Putin has called for additional concessions, including an end to foreign military aid to Ukraine. Trump’s administration has yet to formally respond to those demands, though Tuesday’s call suggests that further negotiations could reshape the trajectory of the war.

With the U.S. shifting its stance on the conflict, the coming weeks will determine whether this initiative can hold or if tensions will resume. A temporary pause in strikes on infrastructure may provide a path forward, but the broader question of a full-scale ceasefire remains unresolved.

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