Trump and Putin Agree to 30-Day Truce in Ukraine After Two-Hour Phone Call

Washington, March 18, 2025, 2:15 PM PDT – Following a two-hour phone conversation, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reached an agreement for a partial 30-day truce in Ukraine, marking a tentative step toward resolving the ongoing conflict. While the discussions did not yield a comprehensive ceasefire, this development signals a potential pathway to broader peace negotiations, according to a White House statement released Tuesday.

Details of the Truce

The two leaders agreed to a 30-day pause in hostilities, specifically targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, as confirmed by the Kremlin and reported on X by @KremlinRussia_E at 9:00 AM PDT. The U.S. announced that diplomatic talks will now take place in the Middle East to explore options for a more sustainable stabilization of the conflict. Potential topics include a maritime security agreement in the Black Sea and a framework for wider peace negotiations, per The New York Times and Reuters updates from March 18, 2025.

Putin has ordered Russian forces to adhere to the truce immediately, with the Kremlin emphasizing its commitment to reducing tensions, as stated in a Tass report. Posts on X, like @USNewsNow’s, hailed the truce as “a breakthrough,” though skepticism persists among users such as @UkraineWatch, who question Russia’s sincerity.

Moscow’s Conditions for Lasting Peace

Russia has outlined several preconditions for a permanent ceasefire, including the cessation of Western military aid to Ukraine, halting Ukraine’s military buildup, and stopping the mobilization of Ukrainian troops. Moscow argues these measures are critical to prevent further escalation, as detailed in a March 17 statement on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website, kremlin.ru. This stance echoes Putin’s March 14 remarks, reported by ABC News, demanding Ukraine surrender control of Kursk and withdraw from occupied territories.

In a gesture of goodwill, a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine is scheduled for Wednesday, with each side releasing 175 detainees. This move, announced by the International Committee of the Red Cross on X, could pave the way for renewed dialogue between the warring parties, though its impact remains uncertain.

Shift in U.S. Policy Under Trump

Since returning to the presidency in January 2025, Trump has adopted a markedly different approach to Russia compared to his predecessor, Joe Biden, who emphasized robust support for Ukraine. Trump’s willingness to negotiate a potential territorial division between Ukraine and Russia has raised concerns in Kyiv, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warning on X of threats to Ukraine’s territorial integrity, per The Washington Post. Trump’s strategy, outlined in a March 12 speech on X, prioritizes ending the war quickly, even at the cost of concessions, contrasting with Biden’s $61 billion aid package in 2024, as reported by CNN.

Posts on X, such as @Trump2025News, praise Trump’s “pragmatic diplomacy,” while critics like @UkraineSolidarity decry a betrayal of Ukrainian sovereignty. The U.S. National Security Council, via @WHNSC, clarified that Trump’s approach seeks a “balanced resolution,” but details remain vague.

Challenges Ahead

While the 30-day truce is a significant step, numerous obstacles remain before a durable peace can be achieved. Russia’s stringent conditions, Ukraine’s resistance to territorial concessions, and ongoing Western support for Kyiv complicate the path forward. Web results, including a March 2025 Carnegie Endowment analysis, suggest that without addressing root causes—like NATO expansion and energy disputes—the conflict risks reigniting post-truce.

As of 2:15 PM PDT, the Middle East talks, expected to involve Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, have not begun, and Ukraine’s reaction remains cautious, with Zelenskyy’s office on X calling for guarantees against further Russian aggression. The truce’s success hinges on both sides’ adherence and the international community’s role in mediation.