Putin agrees to 30-day halt on energy strikes, rejects full ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a 30-day halt on attacks against Ukrainian energy facilities but rejected a broader 30-day ceasefire proposed by US President Donald Trump.

The partial ceasefire, which will pause strikes on energy infrastructure for about a month, marks a small step toward peace, but Russia has not agreed to halt all military operations in Ukraine.

Ukraine welcomed the limited ceasefire, but President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed disappointment, noting that Putin’s refusal to agree to a full ceasefire complicates efforts for a broader peace. Putin raised concerns that a temporary ceasefire could allow Ukraine to rearm while stressing that any peace deal would require an end to all military and intelligence support to Ukraine.

The White House confirmed that discussions on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a broader peace deal will begin, with talks set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday. US envoy Steve Witkoff emphasized that a full ceasefire may be within reach, but the path remains uncertain.

Putin's decision to halt energy strikes was made after a lengthy phone call with Trump, although Putin’s stance signals he may be playing for time as Russian forces advance in eastern Ukraine. While Trump expressed optimism about the call, Ukrainian officials remain firm in their position that the sovereignty of Ukraine is non-negotiable.

The US is hopeful that these negotiations could eventually lead to a permanent peace agreement, but Zelenskyy has insisted that Europe must be involved in any peace talks. Meanwhile, European leaders have urged for a full ceasefire and emphasized the importance of Ukrainian participation in the final resolution.