**Putin and Trump Discuss Limited Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict**

The dialogue reveals contrasting views on conditions for peace as Ukraine's allies express reluctance to compromise.

In a recent phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, a limited agreement was reached to halt attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. However, Putin outright rejected the proposal for a comprehensive ceasefire, citing the necessity for an end to foreign military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine as a precondition for any broader agreement. This condition stands in stark contrast to the expectations of Ukraine's European allies, who have previously dismissed such terms.

While Putin acknowledged that further peace discussions would occur soon in the Middle East, the outcome signifies a notable shift in the stance of the Trump administration, which had previously secured a tentative agreement on a 30-day ceasefire during talks in Saudi Arabia with Ukrainian representatives.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated a willingness to explore the notion of a truce limited to energy facilities but emphasized the need for more clarity regarding the specifics of the proposal. In an optimistic tone, Trump characterized the call as "very good and productive," announcing on social media that an immediate ceasefire on energy infrastructure was agreed upon—a move he framed as part of efforts to bring a "complete ceasefire" and an end to hostilities. Despite these statements, the official White House release following the call did not reaffirm the previous ceasefire negotiations, choosing instead to highlight the focus on the energy and infrastructure ceasefire and subsequent maritime negotiations.

The Kremlin also pointed out potential roadblocks, stating that a "series of significant issues" would need to be addressed in enforcing an agreement with Ukraine. Additionally, it underscored that stopping foreign support for Ukraine must be a vital precursor to any settlement.

The discussions raised questions about the future of peace talks, with speculation arising that Putin may be manipulating the situation to gain time while placing substantial conditions on any resolution. Observers suggest that the Russian leader is testing Trump’s resolve regarding US support for Ukraine as negotiations progress, with the call reflecting a complex interplay of diplomatic maneuvering amid a devastating conflict.