Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to suspend attacks on energy supplies if Ukraine does the same, but his phone call with US President Donald Trump did not result in a general ceasefire.
The Kremlin stressed that the safety of maritime traffic in the Black Sea must be ensured.
The White House announced upcoming “technical negotiations” for a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, aiming for “a complete cessation of hostilities and sustainable peace.”
According to the Kremlin, Putin has instructed his military not to attack Ukrainian energy supplies for a period of 30 days, although details of when this temporary ceasefire begins were not provided.
For a general ceasefire, Putin reiterated his conditions: no more military aid and intelligence to Ukraine. He also raised questions about how such a ceasefire would be monitored and enforced.
Putin announced that Russia and Ukraine would exchange 175 prisoners of war each on Wednesday. As a goodwill gesture, Russia would also repatriate 23 severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
The White House highlighted the “immense advantage” of an “improved bilateral relationship” between the United States and Russia, citing the potential for “enormous economic agreements.”
Press releases from Moscow and Washington about the phone call between Putin and Trump did not mention any possible territorial realignment.
The US president had aimed to end the war quickly.
Under pressure from Washington, Ukraine agreed to the thirty-day ceasefire proposal.
While Putin, who holds the military advantage, did not reject the plan, he publicly expressed his reservations.
