Trump, Putin agree to begin ceasefire negotiations in Middle East, White House says
Trump, Putin spoke for at least 90 minutes Tuesday, the White House said.
By Greg Norman Fox News
Published March 18, 2025 11:04am EDT | Updated March 18, 2025 2:03pm EDT
President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for at least 90 minutes Tuesday about ending the war in Ukraine, the White House said, noting that the two leaders agreed that "negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East."
The two leaders also agreed to a ceasefire against energy infrastructure, both sides said.
The call began at 10 a.m. ET, according to White House spokesman Dan Scavino. The White House then said around 12:52 p.m. that the call was over, though it would not say initially exactly when each side hung up.
"Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace," the White House said in a statement after the call. "They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.
"This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace," it continued. "These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East."
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