The phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump became the longest in the history of telephone talks between the leaders of the two countries, lasting about 2.5 hours, according to Reuters.
During the conversation, Putin and Trump continued their frank exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine and discussed ways to normalize relations. Both sides expressed mutual interest in ensuring global security, emphasizing their special responsibility for this process.
In particular, Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to work with the U.S. on possible ways to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, noting the importance of sustainable and long-term peace. He also announced that a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine would take place on March 19, with a ratio of 175 to 175.
The Russian president reacted positively to Trump’s initiative on the security of navigation in the Black Sea and the proposal for mutual refusal of strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days. In response to Trump’s request for humanitarian gestures, Putin confirmed that Russia is ready to transfer 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers as a goodwill gesture.
Additionally, both presidents discussed the necessity of ending foreign military aid to Ukraine and halting mobilization in the event of a ceasefire. As a result of the conversation, both sides agreed to create expert groups for further discussions on the Ukrainian settlement.
