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Kremlin: Putin ordered a “freeze” on strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities

Putin and Trump agreed on the exchange of 175 prisoners of war between Moscow and Kyiv - Expert teams are being created for the resolution of conflicts in Ukraine - Initiative for maritime security in the Black Sea - Developments in the Middle East also on the table

Newsroom March 18 08:05

 

The Kremlin has provided information on what was discussed and agreed upon in Vladimir Putin’s phone call with Donald Trump. According to reports, the Russian president agreed and ordered a 30-day “freeze” on strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, and agreed to an exchange, between Moscow and Kiev, for 175 prisoners of war (from each side). Moscow also agreed to hand over 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

Information on what was discussed and agreed upon during the phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump was provided by the Kremlin and the White House.

According to the Russian side, the Russian president agreed and ordered a 30-day suspension of strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities. Additionally, an agreement was made for the exchange of 175 prisoners of war (from each side) between Moscow and Kyiv on March 19. Moscow also agreed to deliver 23 heavily wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Furthermore, teams of American and Russian experts will be created to work on the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukrainian territory.

The Russian side emphasized that the two leaders engaged in a detailed and sincere exchange of views regarding the situation surrounding Ukraine. Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to Donald Trump for his willingness “to contribute to achieving the noble goal of ending hostilities and human losses.”

The Kremlin also stated that Putin confirmed his fundamental commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and expressed his readiness “to work through possible solutions together with his American partners, which must be comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term. And, of course, they must take into account the absolute need to eliminate the deeper causes of the crisis, Russia’s legitimate security interests.”

As part of Trump’s initiative for a 30-day ceasefire, the Russian side outlined “a series of important points regarding ensuring effective control over a potential ceasefire along the entire line of military contact, the need to stop forced mobilization in Ukraine, and the re-equipment of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Serious risks were also noted regarding the inability to negotiate the Kyiv regime, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated agreements made. They also pointed out the brutal terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian fighters against the civilian population in the Kursk region.”

It was further stressed by Moscow that the main condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and attempting to resolve it through political and diplomatic means must be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence to Kyiv.

According to the Kremlin, the Russian president also responded constructively to Donald Trump’s idea regarding the implementation of an initiative on maritime security in the Black Sea. It was agreed that negotiations would begin to further process the specific details of such an agreement, with both presidents committing to remain in regular contact.

White House: Immediate Negotiations and the Middle East In its own briefing on the call between the U.S. and Russian leaders, the White House stated:

“Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine. Both leaders agreed that this conflict must end with lasting peace. They also emphasized the need to improve bilateral relations between the United States and Russia.

The blood and treasure spent by both Ukraine and Russia on this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.

This conflict should never have started, and it should have ended a long time ago with sincere and good-faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement towards peace will begin with a ceasefire for energy and infrastructure, as well as technical negotiations on implementing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, a full ceasefire, and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately, and efforts will also start in the Middle East.

The leaders spoke generally about the Middle East as a potential area for cooperation to prevent future conflicts. They further discussed the need to stop the proliferation of strategic weapons and will work with others to ensure the broadest possible implementation. Both leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel.

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The two leaders agreed that a future with improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia has immense prospects. This includes significant economic agreements and geopolitical stability when peace is achieved.”

Meanwhile, as emerged from the official briefing on the phone call, Donald Trump supported Vladimir Putin’s idea of organizing hockey games in the U.S. and Russia between Russian and American players, who play in the professional leagues of both countries.

 

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