In a lengthy phone call on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a potential ceasefire to end the three-year-long war in Ukraine.
The conversation, which lasted nearly two hours, marks a significant diplomatic effort by the United States to broker peace in a conflict that has devastated Ukraine, claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and displaced millions.
The White House described the discussion as “productive,” with both leaders agreeing on the need for a lasting resolution. President Trump proposed an immediate 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has already accepted. However, Russia has set conditions, including guarantees that Ukraine will remain out of NATO and protections for Russian-speaking populations in occupied territories. The Kremlin also demanded an end to Western military aid to Kyiv, a point of concern for European allies.
Challenges Ahead
Despite some progress, significant hurdles remain. While President Putin agreed in principle to pause strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days, he emphasised that any ceasefire must not be exploited by Ukraine to rearm or reposition its forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed scepticism about Russia’s sincerity, citing past violations of agreements.
The call also touched on broader issues such as energy security and the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains under Russian control. Both leaders acknowledged the complexity of these issues but stressed the urgency of halting further bloodshed.
Global Implications
The international response to the call has been mixed. European leaders have cautiously welcomed the talks but insist on being part of any negotiation process. Meanwhile, markets reacted positively; Russia’s MOEX index surged by over 6%, reflecting optimism about a potential de-escalation.
President Trump has instructed key officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, to lead follow-up negotiations. A personal meeting between Trump and Putin is reportedly being planned in Saudi Arabia to advance peace talks further.
While the call represents a step toward diplomacy, analysts warn that any agreement recognising Russian-occupied territories could strain US relations with NATO allies. For now, hopes for peace rest on whether both sides can turn dialogue into actionable commitments.
