Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.

This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.

The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts. They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application. The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel.

The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved.

The leaders continued a detailed and candid exchange of views on the situation surrounding Ukraine. Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to Donald Trump for his efforts to contribute to the noble goal of ending hostilities and preventing further human losses.

Confirming their fundamental commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the President of Russia stated his readiness to work closely with American partners on thoroughly exploring possible settlement options that should be comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term. Naturally, this process must also take into account the need to eliminate the root causes of the crisis and respect Russia’s legitimate security interests.

Regarding the U.S. President’s initiative to implement a 30-day ceasefire, the Russian side outlined several key aspects, including ensuring effective control over a potential cessation of hostilities along the entire front line, halting forced mobilization in Ukraine, and stopping the rearmament of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Serious risks were also highlighted, particularly the unreliability of the Kyiv regime, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated previously reached agreements. Attention was drawn to barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against civilians in the Kursk region.

It was emphasized that a key condition for preventing further escalation and working towards a political and diplomatic resolution must be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence support to Kyiv.

In response to Donald Trump’s recent appeal to preserve the lives of Ukrainian servicemen surrounded in the Kursk region, Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia is prepared to act on humanitarian grounds and guarantees that Ukrainian soldiers who surrender will be treated with dignity, in accordance with Russian law and international norms.

During the conversation, Donald Trump proposed a mutual 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately issued the necessary orders to the Russian military.

Additionally, the President of Russia reacted constructively to Donald Trump’s proposal regarding an existing initiative on maritime security in the Black Sea. It was agreed to begin negotiations to further refine the details of such an arrangement.

Vladimir Putin informed that on March 19, a prisoner exchange between Russian and Ukrainian sides will take place—175 for 175. Additionally, as a goodwill gesture, Russia will transfer 23 severely wounded Ukrainian servicemen who are currently receiving treatment in Russian medical facilities.

The leaders reaffirmed their intention to continue efforts toward a bilateral resolution of the Ukraine conflict, including considering the aforementioned proposals from the U.S. President. To this end, Russian and American expert groups are being formed.

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump also discussed other international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Joint efforts will be undertaken to stabilize crisis zones, enhance cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation, and improve global security. These steps will contribute to a healthier overall atmosphere in U.S.-Russia relations. One positive example cited was the joint vote at the UN on a resolution regarding the Ukraine conflict.

Both sides expressed a mutual interest in normalizing bilateral relations, recognizing the special responsibility of Russia and the U.S. in ensuring global security and stability. In this context, a broad range of potential areas for cooperation was considered. Several ideas were discussed with a view toward developing mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of economy and energy in the future.