Following a conversation with President , Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his military to implement a ceasefire specifically targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, this pause in hostilities does not extend to active combat zones or encompass civilian populations.
According to a White House statement released after the approximately 90-minute discussion between Putin and President , “The resources both Ukraine and Russia are expending in this conflict would be better utilized addressing the needs of their citizens.” The statement further indicated that “The path to peace will commence with a cessation of attacks on energy and infrastructure, along with technical discussions regarding a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, a comprehensive ceasefire, and ultimately, a lasting peace.”
Prior to the call, reports suggested that sought an unconditional ceasefire agreement, but Putin has been unwilling to engage with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until Zelenskyy demonstrates a clear desire for peace.
Trump stated on after the call, “My conversation with President Putin of Russia today was very positive and productive. We have agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with the understanding that we will work swiftly towards a Complete Ceasefire and, eventually, an END to this terrible War between Russia and Ukraine. This process is now fully underway, and we are hopeful that, for the sake of Humanity, we will succeed!”
While Ukraine agreed last week to an immediate ceasefire contingent upon Russia’s agreement, Zelenskyy expressed renewed doubts Monday night about Putin’s genuine interest in ending the war.
“Now, nearly a week later, it is evident to everyone globally – even those who have denied the truth for the past three years – that aims to prolong this conflict,” Zelenskyy stated during his Monday night address.
Similarly, on Tuesday, an anonymous Ukrainian lawmaker suggested that an agreement to cease attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure just before the start of spring may not necessarily indicate .
“A 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure as winter ends, really? Is that all?” the lawmaker told Digital, emphasizing Russia’s established three-year pattern of targeting Ukraine’s energy sector during the winter months.
Zelenskyy’s office has not yet responded to Digital’s inquiries, and officials from both NATO and the EU have refrained from immediate commentary on the day’s discussions.
Rebekah Koffler, a former DIA intelligence officer and author of “Putin’s Playbook,” commented to Digital, “The Russian account reflects typical Kremlin diplomacy, filled with excessive verbiage. The sole concrete and significant commitment Putin has made is to halt attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure.” She added, “The crucial point, however, is the ‘mutual refusal of the parties to the conflict’ to target these facilities.”
“I cannot dismiss the possibility that Russia may break this commitment and then accuse Ukrainians of initiating the violation,” Koffler continued. “However, at face value, it appears promising.”
Additionally, Putin apparently consented to a prisoner exchange involving 175 individuals with Ukraine. Furthermore, as a “gesture of goodwill,” 23 “seriously wounded” Ukrainian soldiers currently receiving medical care in Russian hospitals will be returned to Ukraine, according to the Kremlin’s account following the call.
The Russian leader also stated that, in response to Trump’s “appeal to save the lives” of Ukrainian forces trapped in the Kursk region, he has been “guided by humanitarian considerations” and will permit their surrender and provide “decent treatment to the soldiers,” which is mandated by existing international law under the United Nations Geneva Convention.
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