Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to a 30-day cease-fire on energy targets in exchange for a pause in attacks, according to a call with US President Donald Trump. The proposal was made by Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and the agreement is seen as a step toward a broader cease-fire.
The terms of the deal were not immediately clear, but it has sparked controversy over concerns about Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and potential US involvement. Analysts say that such an agreement would mainly benefit Moscow, whose oil refineries have come under heavy attack from Ukraine.
Zelensky expressed skepticism about the deal, stating that monitoring was essential to ensure Russia wouldn’t strike Ukrainian targets. The US has pledged to monitor the situation, but critics argue that it would only embolden Putin’s position.
The international community has cautiously welcomed any moves toward a cease-fire, with European allies pledging further support for Ukraine while echoing concerns about Russia’s conditions.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/19/world/europe/zelensky-trump-ukraine-russia-putin.html