President Donald Trump had a long phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. The conversation lasted almost two hours. Trump described the call as “great” and said they talked about many things. His main goal is to stop the war between Russia and Ukraine. He wants both sides to agree on a ceasefire and bring peace to the region.
Ukraine Accepts a Ceasefire, but Russia Sets Limits
Earlier in March, Ukrainian officials agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with no conditions. They hoped this would lead to peace. However, Putin did not fully agree. After his call with Trump, he announced that Russia would stop attacking Ukraine’s energy sites for 30 days. This means some strikes may still continue in other areas.
Russian Air Strikes Happen Shortly After Putin’s Statement
Just one hour after the Kremlin made its announcement, a Russian bomb hit Ukraine. The attack cut off power in the city of Slovyansk. Many people were left in the dark. Air raid sirens started ringing. Drones were also spotted flying over major cities, including Kyiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv. The situation remained tense despite talks of a ceasefire.
Trump Says the War Would Not Have Started Under His Leadership
Trump told Fox News that the war should have never happened. He believes that if he were president, it would not have started. He also said that Russia has the upper hand in the conflict. According to Trump, about 2,500 Ukrainian soldiers are surrounded by Russian forces. He described this as a bad situation. He also warned that if things escalate, the U.S. could get pulled into World War III.
Ukraine and Its Military Leaders Reject Trump’s Claims
Trump mentioned that Russian forces had Ukrainian soldiers trapped in the Kursk region. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly denied this. He posted on X, formerly Twitter, that there was no such encirclement. Ukraine’s military leaders also responded. They called the claim false and said Russia was spreading misinformation. They believe Russia is trying to cause fear and pressure Ukraine and its allies.
Russia and Ukraine Plan a Prisoner Exchange as Talks Continue
After the call between Trump and Putin, Russia and Ukraine agreed to swap prisoners. Each side will release 175 people. This exchange is expected to take place soon. Meanwhile, discussions about ending the war continue. Russia has made more demands. They say Ukraine must stop mobilizing troops and receiving weapons from other countries. Until then, a full ceasefire remains uncertain.
