Tue Mar 18 18:33:50 UTC 2025: ## Trump and Putin Agree on Ukraine Peace Plan in Two-Hour Call

**Washington/Moscow** – In a two-hour phone call, former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on a plan to end the war in Ukraine, according to statements released by both the White House and the Kremlin. The plan involves a phased approach beginning with a 30-day ceasefire targeting energy and infrastructure, followed by broader technical negotiations on a Black Sea maritime ceasefire and a full, permanent peace agreement. These negotiations are slated to begin immediately in the Middle East.

Both leaders emphasized the need for a lasting peace and improved US-Russia relations, highlighting the economic benefits of cooperation following a resolution to the conflict. The White House readout stated that the conflict “should never have started” and should have been resolved sooner through good-faith peace efforts.

While both sides expressed a desire for peace, a key difference emerged. The Kremlin insisted that a cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine is a precondition for any progress. Putin reportedly expressed gratitude for Trump’s efforts but conditioned peace on ending Western support for Ukraine. The White House did not explicitly mention this condition in its initial statement.

As a gesture of goodwill, a prisoner exchange of 175 prisoners on each side is scheduled for Wednesday, along with the repatriation of 23 wounded Ukrainian soldiers from Russian medical facilities.

The call sparked concern in Kyiv and some European capitals that Trump might make excessive concessions to Putin. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga stated that Ukraine expects Russia to unconditionally accept the proposed 30-day ceasefire. Prior to the call, Putin delivered a defiant speech, asserting that the West would continue to undermine Russia regardless of sanctions.

The discussion also touched upon the Middle East, with both leaders agreeing on the need to prevent future conflicts and the shared view that Iran should never be able to destroy Israel. The proliferation of strategic weapons was also a topic of conversation, although the Kremlin statement omitted details about Israel and Iran. The overall tone from both sides suggests a significant shift in the rhetoric surrounding the conflict, although the success of the plan hinges on Russia’s adherence to the proposed terms.

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