Presidents Putin and Trump spoke for 1.5 hours, discussing Ukraine’s conflict and agreeing on a potential 30-day ceasefire contingent on several conditions. The conversation covered energy infrastructure, humanitarian considerations, and international affairs including Iran and Israel. Both leaders also expressed intentions for improved cooperation and maintaining dialogue around various subjects.
On March 14, 2023, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump held a telephone conversation lasting approximately 1.5 hours, during which they discussed critical topics including the situation in Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and sports. Following the conversation, both parties issued statements; notably, Putin agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure while presenting conditions for a 30-day ceasefire.
The Kremlin’s statement, released over an hour after the talks ended, detailed a serious discussion regarding the conflict in Ukraine. President Putin expressed gratitude to President Trump for his commitment to peace, emphasizing the need for effective ceasefire control while demanding a cessation of forced mobilization in Ukraine and the supply of new weapons to Ukrainian forces.
President Trump proposed a mutual cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure for a month, a suggestion that Putin reportedly received positively. The Kremlin emphasized that a complete halt to foreign military assistance to Ukraine should accompany any ceasefire to prevent further escalation.
Additionally, the leaders addressed claims of significant Ukrainian forces being encircled in the Kursk region, which were denied by various parties. Trump appealed to Putin regarding the safety of these soldiers, and Putin assured that humanitarian considerations guided their actions, promising protection in the event of surrender.
Moreover, the discussion included goodwill gestures, such as a planned prisoner exchange on March 19 and the transfer of severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers from Russian facilities. Both presidents expressed their intent to continue bilateral efforts to resolve the conflict based on Trump’s proposals, establishing expert groups from both nations.
The conversation also covered broader international issues, including the Middle East, nuclear non-proliferation, and global security. The leaders noted the significance of perceived improvements in U.S.-Russia relations, referencing a joint vote against a UN resolution labeling Russia as an aggressor.
In a lighter note, the presidents agreed on the idea of organizing hockey matches involving players from both nations, indicating a desire for ongoing communication concerning various subjects discussed. The White House summarized the call more succinctly, emphasizing the need for lasting peace and highlighting the importance of addressing strategic weapons proliferation, specifically mentioning Iran and Israel’s roles in the discussions.
Reports suggest that both leaders reached a consensus on a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, although formal acceptance from Kyiv remains pending. This call represented part of Trump’s strategy for peace negotiation following recent tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Previously, Ukraine signaled openness to a 30-day ceasefire proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Moscow’s general support for a peaceful resolution provided the root causes of the conflict are addressed.
The conversation between Presidents Putin and Trump marked a significant dialogue around crucial international issues, notably the conflict in Ukraine. While both leaders showed willingness to pursue a ceasefire and enhance bilateral cooperation, the success of these discussions hinges on agreement from Ukraine and addressing underlying causes of the conflict. Additionally, the leaders identified the importance of stabilizing the Middle East and preventing the proliferation of strategic weapons, with a mutual interest in fostering improved U.S.-Russia relations.
Original Source: en.belsat.eu
