Stunning turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days following a high-stakes phone call with former US President Donald Trump. The Kremlin confirmed the decision after the 90-minute conversation on Tuesday, marking a rare diplomatic shift in the ongoing conflict.
However, Putin stopped short of accepting a broader ceasefire deal backed by the US, which Ukraine had already signaled its willingness to implement. According to the Kremlin, Russia’s leader expressed concerns that a temporary truce could allow Ukraine to regroup, rearm, and strengthen its military position.
The phone call also touched on a potential maritime truce and the possibility of broader peace talks, with the White House later stating that negotiations would begin “immediately.” Trump, who described the conversation as “very good and productive” on his Truth Social platform, emphasized that the first step toward peace would be an “energy and infrastructure ceasefire.”
Despite Putin’s announcement, questions remain over whether Ukraine will reciprocate by halting its own strikes on Russian energy sites. Since January, Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and oil depots have intensified, temporarily crippling up to 10% of Russia’s refining capacity in February. Meanwhile, Russia’s relentless strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid have left millions in darkness, triggering widespread power outages and public health concerns.
While some see this diplomatic engagement as a step toward de-escalation, others remain skeptical. Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher reported that Kyiv is wary of a limited ceasefire that applies only to energy targets, fearing that Russia could exploit the pause to gain more ground. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera’s Dorsa Jabbari, reporting from Moscow, noted that Russia is demanding guarantees that Ukraine will not use the break to mobilize new forces—something the Kremlin views as non-negotiable.
Meanwhile, European leaders have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged continued military aid to Kyiv. Scholz insisted that a full ceasefire should be the next step, while Macron emphasized that Europe “will not let Ukraine down.”
As diplomatic efforts take shape, the question remains: Is this the first step toward lasting peace, or just another pause before more conflict erupts?
