Putin agrees to temporarily halt attacks on Ukraine's energy targets
What's the story
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to restrict Russian military activity on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, but not on an overall 30-day ceasefire as the US proposed.
In an over two-hour phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, both leaders discussed an "energy and infrastructure ceasefire," and launched talks for a "maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire, and permanent peace," said a White House statement.
The talks will begin "immediately" in the Middle East, it added.
Preconditions
Putin's conditions for a comprehensive ceasefire
According to the Kremlin's account of the call, Putin imposed various conditions for a long-term peace, including the suspension of arms and intelligence support to Ukraine.
Ukraine must also halt mobilizing new recruits, it said.
The Kremlin said, "The key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working toward its resolution through political and diplomatic means should be the complete cessation of foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv."
Humanitarian gesture
Exchange of prisoners
The statement by the Kremlin further stated that on March 19, Russia and Ukraine will exchange 175 inmates.
Also, Russia is releasing "23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen who are being treated in Russian medical institutions will be transferred."
Additionally, Russia and the US are forming "expert groups" to continue negotiations.
Putin indicated that "the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict....should be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv."
Middle East
They also spoke about the Middle East
The White House stated that the leaders also discussed the Middle East as a region with the potential to prevent future conflicts.
"They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons....The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel."
They also agreed that a future with stronger bilateral relations between the US and Russia has enormous potential. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability.