In a major diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a phone call to initiate negotiations to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine.
On Tuesday, the leaders discussed a temporary halt on strikes targeting energy infrastructure and signaled a willingness to pursue broader peace talks.
As part of their agreement, Russia has reportedly consented to a 30-day pause in attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, a move seen as a crucial step toward de-escalation.
While the details of the broader ceasefire talks remain unclear, Trump and Putin expressed a commitment to continued dialogue to explore a long-term resolution.
Another key topic of discussion was maritime security in the Black Sea, where tensions between NATO forces and Russian naval operations have been escalating.
The two leaders agreed to open negotiations to reduce hostilities in the region.
The call marks the most significant engagement between the U.S. and Russia on the Ukraine conflict in months and signals potential shifts in diplomatic strategy.
Trump has previously stated his desire to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow. However, Ukrainian officials have remained cautious about any agreement that does not fully restore their territorial integrity.
While this latest discussion does not guarantee an end to the war, both sides’ willingness to engage in ceasefire talks represents a notable step toward de-escalation.
The White House is expected to provide further details in the coming days.