Putin agrees to Trump’s 30-day energy strike pause while launching drones and demanding Ukrainian mobilization halt

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that Russia and Ukraine will conduct a prisoner exchange on March 19, with each side releasing 175 prisoners. Additionally, Russia will transfer 23 wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

On March 18, during a phone call, Putin expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal for a mutual 30-day suspension of strikes on energy infrastructure by both Russia and Ukraine. According to UNIAN, Putin immediately ordered the Russian military to comply with the agreement.

“During the conversation, Donald Trump proposed a 30-day cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure. Vladimir Putin responded positively to the initiative and promptly issued orders to the Russian military,” the Kremlin stated.

However, Putin insisted that if the ceasefire is implemented, Ukraine must halt its mobilization efforts and military rearmament.

“In light of the U.S. president’s initiative, Russia has emphasized the importance of effective control over the ceasefire, the suspension of forced mobilization in Ukraine, and a halt to the rearmament of the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” the Kremlin added.

Moscow also confirmed that Russia and Ukraine would proceed with the prisoner exchange on March 19, with 175 prisoners from each side. Alongside this, Russia will return 23 severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

Additionally, the Kremlin reported that Putin “constructively responded” to Trump’s proposal on maritime security in the Black Sea. Both leaders expressed a shared interest in stabilizing relations, recognizing their nations' crucial role in global security.

As part of diplomatic efforts, Russia and the U.S. will establish expert groups to work toward a resolution of the conflict. Putin stressed the importance of addressing the war’s root causes and considering Russia’s “legitimate security interests.”

Despite the agreement to halt energy strikes, Ukrainian sources reported that Russia launched Iranian-made Shahed drones during the leaders’ conversation.