Trump-Putin Phone Call (March 2025)

The Trump-Putin telephone meeting was a diplomatic dialogue held on 18 March 2025 between the President of the United States Donald Trump and the President of Russia State Vladimir Putin, during which issues such as attacks on energy infrastructure and regional security were addressed. During the meeting, an agreement was reached to halt attacks targeting energy and infrastructure objectives, but no consensus was reached on a comprehensive ceasefire.

Background of the Meeting

The telephone conversation took place amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. President Donald Trump of USA stated prior to the meeting that consensus had been achieved on many elements of a final peace agreement, but that certain issues still required resolution. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov clarified that the meeting would focus on relations between the two country and the Ukraine issue. The meeting began at 10:00 Eastern Time and lasted approximately 2.5 hour.

Content of the Meeting

Ceasefire Discussions and Agreement on Energy Infrastructure

The primary agenda item of the meeting was ending the war in Ukraine. Trump and Putin agreed to mutually halt attacks on energy infrastructure. However, the Trump administration’s proposed 30-day comprehensive ceasefire was rejected by Putin.

Putin argued that a temporary ceasefire would provide Ukraine with an opportunity to prepare militarily and therefore accepted only the cessation of attacks targeting energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine supported the energy infrastructure ceasefire but emphasized that Russia had not shown willingness to agree to a general ceasefire.

Black Sea Maritime Ceasefire and Regional Security

The two leaders reached an agreement to establish a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and initiate negotiations to that effect. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of shipping traffic and protect maritime routes. The negotiations are planned to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The two leader also discussed crises in the Middle East and Iran’s military capabilities. Trump and Putin agreed that Iran must not be allowed to reach a position from which it can threaten Israel.

Prisoner Exchange and Kursk Region Discussions

The meeting also addressed a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. It was agreed that both sides would release 175 prisoners mutually, and that Russia would hand over 23 severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

Putin expressed concerns regarding the Ukrainian military’s seizure of control and conduct of military operations in Russia’s Kursk region. Trump stated that the lives of Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region should be spared, while the Russian side affirmed that surrendered soldiers would be treated in accordance with international law treatment.