In a phone call on March 19, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but stopped short of endorsing a full ceasefire. Putin rejected a proposed month-long ceasefire negotiated by the United States with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, citing conditions that would require an end to foreign military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine – a position rejected by Ukraine’s European allies.
Trump called the conversation productive and expressed hope for continued peace talks, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Putin’s refusal to agree to a broader ceasefire. Zelensky also condemned recent Russian drone strikes on civilian targets, including hospitals and power supplies.
The two leaders agreed to hold immediate technical talks, but it is not yet clear whether these will lead to broader discussions involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
