By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It was a busy Tuesday for White House officials and President Trump as the administration works to manage evolving conflicts abroad.
President Trump spent the morning on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders spoke for more than two hours about a 30-day ceasefire proposal with Ukraine. Officials say the call, which began around 10:00, went well. Many are hoping it is the beginning of the end to Russia’s war with Ukraine.
In a readout of the call with Putin, the White House said “both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.”
The White House readout goes on to say: “the leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.”
Moscow says a key condition to prevent escalation is the halt of foreign military aid and intelligence to Ukraine. Tomorrow, Russia and Ukraine are expected to exchange some prisoners. However, Vladimir Putin has not indicated whether he accepts the 30-day ceasefire endorsed by President Trump and backed by Ukraine.
The Middle East was a big topic on today’s call. According to the White House, both Trump and Putin agreed that “Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel.”
Trump’s talks with Putin come hours after Gaza’s fragile ceasefire was shattered early Tuesday. It was the deadliest day for the region in over a year. The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas had already been on thin ice after phase one ended more than two weeks ago. Stakeholders and negotiators have been at odds on how to proceed.
Israel said the strikes were due to Hamas’ refusal to release remaining hostages and threats to harm IDF soldiers. An Israeli military official said the strikes were preemptive, claiming Hamas was planning to carry out terrorist attacks.
Hamas rejected claims that it violated the Gaza ceasefire and that it was preparing any attacks on Israel, calling those claims baseless pretexts to justify Israel’s return to war. Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of overturning the ceasefire agreement, and “putting the captives in Gaza at risk of an unknown fate.”
According to Palestinian officials, over 400 people were killed and more than 500 were injured.
