Russia-Ukraine to Start Truce Talks After Trump-Putin Call, 30-Day Pause on Attacks Agreed

National Times Bureau, May 20, 2025: In a major diplomatic development, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to begin immediate ceasefire talks following a two-hour phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conversation reportedly led to a preliminary agreement halting Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure facilities for the next 30 days.

Although the truce marks a potential breakthrough, it remains limited. President Putin refrained from committing to a full ceasefire, reiterating Russia’s long-standing demands. These include security guarantees about Ukraine’s NATO membership and an end to Western arms support for Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded cautiously, calling the move a welcome step but warning that words must be followed by action. He emphasized the need for international monitoring of the temporary ceasefire and signaled openness to continuing negotiations in neutral locations such as Saudi Arabia or the Vatican.

The initial round of peace discussions is expected to focus solely on ensuring the 30-day truce over infrastructure attacks is honored. Broader issues, including maritime security in the Black Sea and a potential comprehensive ceasefire, may be addressed in later stages. Talks are likely to take place in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a potential host.

While this diplomatic overture offers a pause in hostilities, experts caution that the road to lasting peace remains uncertain and fraught with unresolved issues.