MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a 30-day cessation of attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure following a call with U.S. President Donald Trump, the Kremlin confirmed on Tuesday.
While the move is seen as a significant step toward de-escalation, Putin made it clear that a broader and lasting ceasefire would only be possible if certain conditions are met. Among the conditions outlined by the Russian leader are a halt to Ukraine’s rearmament efforts and an end to its mandatory military mobilization.
The Kremlin described the exchange between Putin and Trump as “detailed and frank,” with Putin laying out specific demands for the potential ceasefire to take hold. He emphasized the need to stop forced mobilization in Ukraine and to freeze its military rearmament. Additionally, Putin raised concerns about how such a ceasefire could be monitored, indicating that the terms need further clarification.
Trump’s proposal, which was immediately accepted by Putin, called for a 30-day suspension of strikes on Ukrainian energy targets. The Kremlin confirmed that Putin issued the corresponding command to Russian military forces, and the pause in strikes is set to begin immediately.
In another positive development following the call, Russia and Ukraine agreed to swap 175 prisoners each, with the exchange scheduled for Wednesday. This exchange is seen as another step in improving relations and building trust between the two sides.
Putin also made clear that any long-term resolution to the ongoing conflict could only be achieved if the West halts its military and intelligence support for Ukraine. According to the Kremlin, Putin believes that a complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence assistance to Ukraine is crucial to preventing further escalation and paving the way for a political and diplomatic solution.
“The key condition for preventing an escalation of the conflict and moving towards its resolution is the complete cessation of foreign military assistance and intelligence support to Kyiv,” the Kremlin statement concluded.
The situation remains fluid, and while the temporary halt to strikes marks a significant shift in the conflict, the road to a full ceasefire and resolution is fraught with challenges. The international community will be closely monitoring these developments as efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict continue.
