US and Russia Agree on Temporary Ceasefire in Ukraine Conflict
On Tuesday, March 18, 2023, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reached an agreement to implement a temporary 30-day ceasefire targeting energy and infrastructure in the ongoing Ukraine war. The White House announced that discussions for a broader truce would commence immediately, highlighting the potential for significant economic and geopolitical benefits from improved US-Russian relations.
Following the conversation, the Kremlin confirmed that President Putin had ordered a pause on military strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure. In an immediate response to Trump's proposal, Putin instructed the Russian military to cease attacks on energy targets. However, the Kremlin outlined certain conditions for this ceasefire, particularly emphasizing that Ukraine should not rearm.
Putin stressed the need for effective oversight of the ceasefire along the contact line, necessitating a halt to Ukraine's forced mobilization and rearmament. He remarked that a resolution to the conflict could only be achieved if Western nations ceased providing military and intelligence support to Ukraine. The Kremlin asserted that stopping foreign military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv was crucial for preventing further escalation and working toward a political solution.
Moreover, in a related announcement, the Kremlin shared that a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine was set to occur on Wednesday, March 19. Both sides would exchange 175 prisoners each, according to the details released by the Kremlin following the call. This development marks a potential step forward in ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian aspects of the conflict, despite the tensions that remain.
As the situation evolves, the world watches closely to see if this ceasefire can pave the way for lasting peace and a reduction in hostilities.
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