Putin and Trump Discuss Ukraine Peace Talks, Ceasefire, and Bilateral Ties in Marathon Call
In a 2 1/2-hour phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump discussed prospects for resolving the Ukraine conflict, stabilizing the Middle East, and restoring US-Russia ties, the Kremlin announced Tuesday. Putin expressed willingness to pursue a “comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term” resolution but voiced concerns over Ukraine’s adherence to agreements. Trump proposed a 30-day ceasefire, to which Putin agreed, ordering a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure.
The two leaders also discussed a prisoner exchange, with 175 servicemen to be swapped on both sides, and agreed to form a US-Russian expert group to aid peace efforts. In addition, they pledged cooperation on Black Sea navigation safety and Middle East stability. Trump endorsed Putin’s suggestion of organizing hockey matches between Russian and American players as part of broader cultural exchanges.
