History in the making: on March 18th, 2025, Presidents Donald J. Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone for over two and a half hours – a record between the US and Russia heads of state.
What follows below is a gathering of the official readouts from the White House and the Kremlin, as well as a few headlines and social media posts.
White House’ readout on Trump’s call to Putin:
“Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a cease-fire in the war in Ukraine. Both leaders agreed that the conflict must end with a lasting peace. They also emphasized the need to improve bilateral relations between the United States and Russia.
The leaders agreed that movement toward peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations to realize a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, a full ceasefire, and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.
The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts. Both leaders agreed that Iran should never be able to destroy Israel.
Both leaders agreed that a future with improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia has tremendous potential. This includes huge economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace is achieved.”
Full readout by the Kremlin: Telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump
“The leaders continued a detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation around Ukraine. Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for his desire to help achieve the noble goal of ending hostilities and human losses.
Having confirmed his fundamental commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the Russian President declared his readiness to work together with his American partners to thoroughly explore possible ways of resolving the conflict, which should be comprehensive, sustainable and long-term. And, of course, to take into account the absolute need to eliminate the root causes of the crisis, and Russia’s legitimate interests in the area of security.
In the context of the US President’s initiative to introduce a 30-day ceasefire, the Russian side outlined a number of significant points concerning ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire line of combat contact, the need to stop forced mobilization in Ukraine and rearm the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Serious risks associated with the inability to negotiate of the Kyiv regime, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated the agreements reached, were also noted. Attention was drawn to the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against the civilian population of the Kursk region.
It was emphasized that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution through political and diplomatic means should be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv.
In connection with Donald Trump’s recent appeal to spare the lives of Ukrainian servicemen surrounded in the Kursk region, Vladimir Putin confirmed that the Russian side is ready to be guided by humanitarian considerations and, in the event of their surrender, guarantees the lives and decent treatment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers in accordance with Russian laws and international law.
During the conversation, Donald Trump put forward a proposal for the parties to the conflict to mutually refrain from attacks on energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order.
The Russian President also responded constructively to Donald Trump’s idea of implementing a well-known initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. It was agreed to begin negotiations to further elaborate specific details of such an agreement.
Vladimir Putin informed that on March 19, a prisoner exchange of 175 for 175 people will be carried out between the Russian and Ukrainian sides. In addition, as a gesture of goodwill, 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen who are being treated in Russian medical institutions will be transferred.
The leaders confirmed their intention to continue efforts to achieve a Ukrainian settlement in a bilateral mode, including taking into account the above-mentioned proposals of the US President. For this purpose, Russian and American expert groups are being created.
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump also touched upon other issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Joint efforts will be made to stabilize the situation in crisis areas, establish cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and global security. This, in turn, will contribute to improving the overall atmosphere of Russian-American relations. One positive example is the joint vote in the UN on the resolution on the Ukrainian conflict.
Mutual interest in normalizing bilateral relations was expressed in light of the special responsibility of Russia and the United States for ensuring security and stability in the world. In this context, a wide range of areas in which our countries could establish interaction was considered. A number of ideas were discussed that are moving towards the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the economy and energy sector.
Donald Trump supported Vladimir Putin’s idea to organize hockey matches in the USA and Russia between Russian and American players playing in the NHL and KHL.
The presidents agreed to remain in contact on all issues raised.”
Trump’s Truth Social post:
“My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one.
We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine. This War would have never started if I were President!
Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end.
That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!”
Some headlines about the call:
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev makes reference to the saying: ‘in a negotiation, if you are not at the table, you are in the menu’:
Top Russian official Kirill Dmitriev, after calling it ‘a perfect call!’:
Watch: Trump talks Putin and peace process with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham (first 6 minutes).
President Trump interview part 1- Putin call- radical judges pic.twitter.com/9vCAzEW5Gc
— Karli Bonne’ (@KarluskaP) March 18, 2025
Read more:
The post TRUMP-PUTIN CALL: Full Readouts by the White House and the Kremlin – Plus: Reaction by the Press and on Social Media – Trump Reflects on Peace Process With Fox News’ Ingraham appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.