Trump and Putin agree on a 'start to peace': what the leaders of the USA and Russia agreed on.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the need for peace and a ceasefire in the war against Ukraine during a phone call on March 18. Both leaders agreed that the conflict needs to end with a lasting peace, the White House reports.

As a result of the conversation, the presidents agreed on initial steps for the peace process, which will include:

• ceasing attacks on energy and infrastructure sectors;
• technical negotiations on implementing a naval ceasefire in the Black Sea;
• further consultations on a complete ceasefire and achieving lasting peace.

Negotiations on the details will begin 'immediately' in the Middle East, according to the White House statement.

The leaders also discussed opportunities for cooperation in the Middle East to prevent future conflicts, including the need to stop the proliferation of strategic weapons. Trump and Putin agreed that 'Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel.'

Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with President Vladimir Putin: Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the…

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) March 18, 2025

Furthermore, the presidents emphasized the need to improve bilateral relations between the USA and Russia. 'Both leaders agreed that the future with improved bilateral relations between the USA and Russia holds great promise, including significant economic agreements and geopolitical stability after achieving peace,' the statement noted.