Russia-Ukraine ceasefire: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin agree to initial 30-day strike halt, negations continue

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to a 30-day energy and infrastructure ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, with further negotiations for a broader ceasefire and lasting peace to commence “immediately”

The agreement was struck during a 90-minute phone call between the US and Russian presidents on Tuesday, where they discussed “the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war”.

“Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace,” a White House statement issued following the phone call said.

“They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.

“This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts.”

Taking to Truth Social after the call, Mr Trump said his call was “very good”.

“My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one,” he wrote.

“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.

“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 Zelensky 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!”

What we know about the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire agreement

The White House says the initial ceasefire agreement will last 30 days, preventing strikes against energy and infrastructure targets.

The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire,” the White House statement said.

During the initial 30 days, it is understood that the US, Russia and Ukraine will continue “technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace.”

The White House said those negotiations “will begin immediately in the Middle East.”

“The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts,” the White House 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.”

Kremlin issue statement following Trump, Putin call

The Kremlin has confirmed Mr Putin has issued an order to his military, telling them to halt any attacks on energy infrastructure.

“During the conversation, Donald Trump proposed that parties to the conflict should mutually refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order.

“The Russian President also responded constructively to Donald Trump’s suggestion to implement a well-known initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. It was agreed that negotiations to further elaborate the specific details of such an agreement should begin.”

Ukraine reacts to Putin agreeing to 30-day energy infrastructure ceasefire

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is in support of the 30-day energy truce, however, added he needs more “details.

“We’ve always supported the idea of not attacking energy (infrastructure) with any weapons,” he said.

More to come...