'Movement to peace' between Russia and Ukraine to begin with energy and infrastructure ceasefire after call between Trump and Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed on a partial ceasefire in Moscow's war with Ukraine after a 90-minute phone call with US President Donald Trump.
United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have come to an agreement after a 90-minute phone call to discuss a ceasefire proposal for Ukraine.
The call came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signalled he would be prepared to sign onto a US-backed ceasefire proposal, which could pave the way toward a more permanent end to the war.
However, Ukrainian officials have remained steadfast in their view the nation should not compromise its territory or agree to be prevented from joining NATO, both areas President Putin has strongly suggested would be conditions for Russian agreement.
Wednesday's discussion between the US and Russian leaders lasted at least 90 minutes and may lay the groundwork for a face to face meeting between the pair.
The White House released the details of the call in a statement, as the two leaders "agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace".
It also said technical negotiations will begin "immediately" in the Middle East on the implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea as well as a view to a permanent ceasefire.
"The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts," the statement said.
"They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application.
"The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel."
The US and Russia also agreed a stronger bilateral relationship between the two could benefit both countries.
Trump posted about the phone call on Truth Social, describing his discussion with Putin as a "very good and productive one".
"We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine," he said.
"This War would have never started if I were President! Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!"
Putin agreed the "movement to peace" will begin with a 30-day pause on strikes on energy infrastructure.
According to the Kremlin, Russia will return 23 wounded Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv while both parties will exchange 175 prisoners on March 19.
The Russian President also said the key condition for working towards a ceasefire "should be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv".