In a significant diplomatic twist, U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin have agreed to pursue a limited ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. During a lengthy phone call on Tuesday, Mar. 18, both leaders discussed halting military actions that target critical energy and infrastructure sites, a move the White House describes as a first step in a broader "movement to peace."
Authorities say the aim is not only to ease tensions on the ground but also to eventually establish a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, laying the foundation for a full and lasting end to the conflict. The ceasefire proposal comes on the heels of earlier suggestions by Ukrainian officials, who proposed a halt on long-range missile strikes, a freeze along the Black Sea, and the exchange of prisoners.
In the same conversation, Putin welcomed Trump’s call for negotiating a maritime ceasefire and even outlined plans for an exchange involving 175 prisoners and the transfer of 23 severely wounded Ukrainian combatants. Meanwhile, Trump indicated that the White House is pushing for a 30-day ceasefire, though some Ukrainian leaders remain cautious, citing continued attacks as a sign that further trust must be built before peace can fully take hold.
Adding to the complex diplomatic landscape, the White House also announced that negotiations in the Middle East would begin immediately, indicating that the recent engagement could have wider geopolitical implications. As global audiences from young digital citizens to tech enthusiasts and changemakers follow these developments, hopes are high that this initiative might finally shift the focus from conflict to cooperation, allowing resources to be redirected toward the real needs of communities on both sides.
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Trump, Putin agree to pursue a limited ceasefire in Ukraine conflict
cgtn.com
