Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a 30-day pause in attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following a lengthy phone call with US President Donald Trump. The announcement, made by the Kremlin on Tuesday, marks a potential de-escalation in the ongoing conflict, though Putin stopped short of accepting a broader US-backed ceasefire proposal.
During the call, Putin ordered the Russian military to halt strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities. However, he expressed reservations about a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, citing concerns that Ukraine could use the pause to mobilize additional troops and rearm. The three-year war between the two nations has seen significant destruction, particularly targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
According to the Kremlin, Putin emphasized that a lasting resolution to the conflict would require the complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence support to Kyiv. He argued that such measures are essential to prevent further escalation and create conditions for a political and diplomatic solution.
The White House confirmed the call, stating that both leaders agreed to initiate immediate talks on a potential maritime truce and a broader ceasefire in the Middle East. Trump described the conversation as “very good and productive” in a post on his Truth Social platform.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially expressed openness to the US proposal and indicated a willingness to halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. However, he cautioned that Moscow’s actions suggested an attempt to delay negotiations and weaken Kyiv’s position. Zelenskyy pointed to ongoing Russian drone attacks, including strikes on the capital, Kyiv, as evidence that Putin was not genuinely committed to peace.
“These nighttime attacks by Russia continue to destroy our energy sector, infrastructure, and the normal lives of Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media. “The fact that this night was no exception shows that pressure on Russia must continue for the sake of peace.”
Zelenskyy urged Ukraine’s allies to maintain sanctions and other measures to pressure Russia into accepting a peace deal. He also called for continued military support, rejecting Moscow’s appeal to suspend aid to Kyiv.
The partial agreement to halt attacks on energy targets represents a tentative step toward reducing hostilities, but the broader path to peace remains fraught with challenges. As both sides weigh their next moves, the international community continues to play a critical role in shaping the conflict’s trajectory.