Source: Global Network
Author: Zhao Jiandong

On the 18th local time, Russian President Putin had a phone call with US President Trump. According to several media reports, including the Russian Satellite Network, TASS, and Sky News from the United Kingdom, the two leaders discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the normalization of Russia-US relations during their conversation. After the call, the Kremlin and the White House issued statements regarding the content of the call.

According to TASS, the Russian presidential website published the content of the phone call between Putin and Trump on the 18th. The following is the full text:

The leaders exchanged detailed and candid opinions on the situation in Ukraine. Putin expressed gratitude for Trump's willingness to help achieve the noble goal of ending the (Russia-Ukraine) conflict and reducing casualties.

Putin reaffirmed his basic position on peacefully resolving the conflict and expressed his willingness to carefully explore possible ways to resolve the conflict with American partners. These approaches should be comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term. At the same time, the absolute necessity of eliminating the root causes of the crisis and Russia's legitimate interests in the field of security should also be taken into consideration.

In response to the 30-day ceasefire initiative proposed by the President of the USA, the Russian side has put forward a series of important proposals, including ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire frontline, stopping forced mobilization within Ukraine, and rearming the Ukrainian armed forces. The Kyiv regime is unable to negotiate and has repeatedly undermined and violated agreements that have been reached, which poses serious risks. Additionally, the Russian side has drawn attention to the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against civilians in the Kursk region.

Both parties emphasized that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and resolving it through political and diplomatic means is to completely stop providing foreign military aid and intelligence to Kyiv.

Regarding Trump's recent call for the forgiveness of the lives of Ukrainian soldiers surrounded in the Kursk region, Putin confirmed that the Russian side is willing to follow humanitarian principles, and in cases where Ukrainian soldiers surrender, the Russian side will ensure the safety and dignified treatment of soldiers of the Ukrainian armed forces according to Russian law and international law.

During the call, Trump proposed that both sides refrain from attacking energy infrastructure within 30 days. Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately issued corresponding orders to the Russian military.

The President of Russia also made a constructive response to the initiative proposed by Trump regarding the safety of Black Sea shipping. Both sides agreed to start negotiations to further refine the specific terms of the agreement.

Putin stated that a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine will take place on March 19, with both sides exchanging 175 people. Additionally, as a goodwill gesture, 23 severely injured Ukrainian soldiers currently receiving treatment at Russian medical institutions will also be handed over.

The leaders of the two countries confirmed that they would continue to address the Ukraine issue through a bilateral framework, including considering the aforementioned proposal by the President of the USA. To this end, Russia and the USA are forming an expert group.

Putin and Trump also discussed other issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Both sides will work together to stabilize the situation in crisis areas and establish cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and global security issues. This, in turn, will help improve the overall atmosphere of Russia-USA relations. A positive example is that both sides unanimously voted in favor of a resolution on the Ukraine conflict at the United Nations.

Given the special responsibility of Russia and the USA to ensure global security and stability, both sides expressed a shared willingness to restore the normalization of bilateral relations. Against this background, both sides are considering the possibility of establishing cooperation in many areas. They also discussed a series of ideas for mutually beneficial cooperation in the economic and Energy fields.

Trump supports Putin's idea of organizing a hockey match between the USA and Russia, featuring players from the NHL (National Hockey League) and KHL (Kontinental Hockey League).

The two presidents agreed to stay in contact regarding all the issues mentioned above.

On the 18th, the White House also released a summary of the conversation between the leaders of the USA and Russia. White House Press Secretary Levitt stated that President Trump spoke with President Putin that day, discussing the necessity of peace and ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, and both agreed that this conflict needs to end with lasting peace.

The following is the full text:

Today, President Trump communicated with President Putin about the necessity of achieving peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. The two leaders agreed that this conflict must end in lasting peace. They also emphasized the need to improve bilateral relations between the USA and Russia. The blood and wealth consumed by Ukraine and Russia in this war should have been better used to meet the needs of their respective peoples.

This conflict should never have started, and it should have ended long ago with sincere and good-faith efforts for peace. The leaders of both countries unanimously believe that achieving peace will begin with a ceasefire in Energy and infrastructure, as well as technical negotiations on implementing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, a comprehensive ceasefire, and permanent peace. Relevant negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East region.

Both sides widely discussed the potential of the Middle East as a region for preventing future conflicts and further discussed the necessity of preventing the diffusion of strategic Weapons, agreeing to collaborate with other countries to ensure the broadest possible implementation. Both sides unanimously agreed that Iran "should never have the capability" to destroy Israel.

Both leaders agree that the improvement of bilateral relations between the USA and Russia will bring enormous benefits, including vast economic and trade cooperation as well as geopolitical stability after achieving peace.

Editor/Rocky