US, Russia reach deal on 30 day 'infrastructure ceasefire' in Ukraine
The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant remains one of the key areas under discussion, with speculation that it could be part of a final settlement.
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In this photo distributed by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Monday, March 17, 2025, a destroyed Ukrainian Army tank T-64BV is seen at an area in the Kursk region of Russia after it was taken over by Russian troops (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)
The United States and Russia have agreed to a 30-day ceasefire targeting Ukraine's energy and infrastructure, marking a limited but notable step toward potential peace efforts.
The agreement follows a discussion between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, during which the leaders also committed to further negotiations beginning immediately, the White House confirmed.
While Ukraine has accepted the US-proposed truce, Putin has refrained from endorsing a broader ceasefire. The Kremlin noted that the Russian president raised concerns over Kiev potentially using the pause to strengthen its military capabilities.
According to a Kremlin statement, Putin stressed that any long-term resolution would require a full halt to foreign military assistance and intelligence-sharing with Kiev.
The White House issued a statement outlining the next steps, which include talks on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea alongside broader discussions on permanent peace efforts.
"The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on the implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace," the statement read.
Path Toward a Wider Peace Deal
Trump has been pushing for a temporary ceasefire as an initial step toward a more comprehensive peace agreement, which could include territorial concessions from Ukraine.
The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant remains one of the key areas under discussion, with speculation that it could be part of a final settlement.
The ongoing war has led to hundreds of thousands of casualties, displaced millions, and left cities in ruins, making the conflict the largest in Europe since World War II.
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