Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on Tuesday, as expected. According to different reports, the 90-minute to 2.5-hour conversation ended at around 19:30 Moscow time. Official statements on the content of the call and its outcomes are expected to be released soon.
The White House plans to issue a statement on the results of the phone conversation between the US host and the Russian leader, as reported to the press by the US government.
The Kremlin published a statement on the conducted phone call at 20:15 Moscow time, stating that the two heads of state had a “thorough and open exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine.” Vladimir Putin thanked Donald Trump for his efforts to achieve the noble goal of ending hostilities and human losses.
The Russian President reaffirmed his fundamental commitment to a peaceful solution of the conflict and stated that he is ready to work together with his American partners on a comprehensive, sustainable and long-term solution, “taking into account the absolute necessity of eliminating the roots of the crisis and considering the legitimate security interests of Russia.”
In connection with the initiative of the President of the United States to introduce a 30-day ceasefire, the Russian side presented a series of key points for the effective control of a possible ceasefire along the entire contact line, the necessity of stopping the forced mobilization in Ukraine and the rearmament of Ukrainian forces. The serious risks associated with the lack of engagement of the Kiev regime, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated the agreements, were also highlighted. The barbaric terrorist crimes of Ukrainian fighters against the civilian population in the Kursk region were also mentioned.
The state and government heads confirmed their intention to continue efforts to find a solution for Ukraine in a bilateral framework, taking into account the above-mentioned proposals of the US President. To this end, Russian and American expert groups will be used.
During the conversation, Donald Trump proposed that the conflict parties refrain from attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days. Vladimir Putin reacted positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military a corresponding order.
On March 19, 175 people from each side are expected to be exchanged between Russia and Ukraine, with an additional 23 severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers, who are being treated in Russian medical facilities, to be handed over as a gesture of goodwill from Ukraine.