We Had the Right to Know, But Not the Right to Talk About It…!

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Tuesday to discuss a possible truce in Ukraine, three years after the start of the Russian invasion. Following this exchange, the Russian president ordered a halt to strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days, a proposal suggested by Donald Trump.

A Decisive Call

According to the White House, the conversation between the two leaders was “frank and detailed.” Putin expressed his willingness to work with the United States on “possible pathways for a comprehensive, stable, and lasting resolution” of the conflict. In return, Moscow demanded a complete halt to foreign military aid to Ukraine and the sharing of Western intelligence with Kyiv.

Concrete Measures Announced

The Kremlin also confirmed that a prisoner exchange will take place on Wednesday, with each side releasing 175 detainees. Furthermore, the White House emphasized the importance of a “better bilateral relationship” between Washington and Moscow, highlighting the economic and geopolitical benefits that a peace agreement could bring.

Reactions and Stakes

On the Ukrainian side, Kyiv has accepted the U.S. proposal for a 30-day truce but is calling on Russia for an “unconditional ceasefire.” President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile, reiterated that Moscow must “prove it truly wants peace.”

As discussions continue, fighting remains intense on the ground, particularly in the Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces are retreating. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to Finland on Wednesday to meet with his counterpart, Alexander Stubb, to discuss military support and prospects for resolving the conflict.

Is Donald Trump’s initiative a turning point in the war in Ukraine? While the suspension of strikes on energy infrastructure is a first step, achieving lasting peace will depend on broader negotiations.