US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to pause attacks on energy and infrastructure targets in Ukraine for 30 days. The White House announced this decision on Tuesday. Additionally, both leaders decided to start peace talks immediately.

Talks to Begin in West Asia

According to the White House, negotiations will take place in West Asia. Furthermore, the statement emphasized that improving U.S.-Russia relations could bring significant economic and political benefits.

A Step Toward Peace

If both sides follow through, this agreement could help reduce violence in the three-year war. However, the Kremlin did not specify Ukraine’s response to the ceasefire. Instead, it stated that Trump had suggested “a mutual refusal” to strike energy sites.

Ceasefire Falls Short of U.S. Expectations

Despite this agreement, the ceasefire does not fully meet U.S. demands. The U.S. had pushed for a complete 30-day truce, which Ukraine had already accepted. However, Russia did not agree to a total pause in fighting.

Russia’s Immediate Response

During their conversation, Trump urged both sides to avoid attacking energy sites for 30 days. As a result, the Kremlin confirmed that Putin accepted the idea and immediately ordered the Russian military to follow it. “During the conversation, Donald Trump put forward a proposal for the parties to the conflict to mutually refrain from striking energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding command,” the Kremlin said.

Putin’s Conditions for a Wider Ceasefire

Meanwhile, Putin repeated concerns he had raised earlier. He insisted that any ceasefire must include strict monitoring. In addition, he demanded that Ukraine stop forced military recruitment and avoid rebuilding its armed forces. “The Russian side outlined a number of significant points regarding ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire line of combat contact, the need to stop forced mobilisation in Ukraine, and the rearming of the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” the Kremlin stated.

Russia’s Demands for a Truce

Moreover, Putin made it clear that Ukraine must not rebuild its military strength during the ceasefire. “The Russian side has outlined a number of essential points concerning effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire contact line and the need to halt both forced mobilisation in Ukraine and the rearmament of the Ukrainian armed forces,” the Kremlin reiterated.

What’s Next?

Overall, the ceasefire agreement is a small step toward peace. However, it does not fully meet the U.S. goal of stopping all fighting. While Putin agreed to protect energy sites, he also set strict conditions for a broader ceasefire. Consequently, negotiations will begin soon, but a lasting truce remains uncertain.