ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a temporary halt in attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, but has refused to commit to a full ceasefire. The decision follows a two-hour phone call with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, where the two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict and potential diplomatic solutions.
Details of the Partial Ceasefire Agreement
The Kremlin confirmed that Russian forces would suspend strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities for a period of 30 days. However, Putin expressed concerns that such a move could allow Ukraine to strengthen its military capabilities. He reiterated that any resolution to the conflict must include an end to Western military and intelligence support for Kyiv.
Despite this temporary pause, Putin declined Ukraine’s proposal for a broader ceasefire. The White House announced that discussions regarding a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, a wider cessation of hostilities, and a potential permanent peace settlement would begin soon, with talks scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this Sunday. However, it remains unclear whether Ukraine will participate in these negotiations.
Ukraine’s Response to Partial Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed the halt in attacks on energy infrastructure but criticized Putin’s refusal to agree to a full truce. Zelenskiy expressed his disappointment via Telegram, stating, “Today, Putin de facto rejected the proposal for a complete ceasefire. It would be right for the world to reject in response any attempts by Putin to drag out the war.”
On the same day, Russia reportedly launched a new wave of attacks, with over 40 drones striking several locations, including a hospital in Sumy and areas around Kyiv. Ukraine, for its part, has carried out multiple strikes on Russian energy facilities in recent months, aiming to weaken Moscow’s military efforts.
Concerns from European Allies
Trump’s approach has raised concerns among European allies, particularly about the limited nature of the ceasefire and Russia’s unwillingness to make significant progress toward ending the conflict. Kristine Berzina, a managing director at the German Marshall Fund, remarked, “The limited ceasefire is a very small step forward, but it also highlights how unwilling Russia is to engage in real progress towards ending the war.”
Additionally, reports suggest that Trump privately proposed a final peace deal that might involve territorial concessions by Ukraine, including the potential ceding of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to Russia. This suggestion has been firmly rejected by Ukraine, which insists on retaining control over its territory.
Geopolitical Implications
The timing of the ceasefire discussions coincides with other major international tensions. Israel has resumed its offensive against Hamas in Gaza, complicating the broader diplomatic landscape. In their phone call, Trump and Putin also addressed the situation in the Middle East, agreeing that Iran should never be allowed to pose a threat to Israel.
Meanwhile, European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, have emphasized the need for Ukraine to be involved in future peace negotiations. Scholz acknowledged the importance of the temporary ceasefire but stressed that any long-term resolution must involve Ukrainian participation.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it has occupied roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, including the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014. Putin has consistently demanded that Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations and called for the easing of Western sanctions.
As the conflict continues, the world watches closely for any movement towards a broader resolution, though significant challenges remain.
