Trump claims ‘contract for Peace’ in the works after 90-minute call with Putin

US President Donald Trump described his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin as "very good and productive," highlighting that both sides agreed to an immediate halt on attacks targeting energy and infrastructure in Ukraine.

"This war would have never started if I were President!" Trump wrote on Truth Social after the call. "Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!"



The conversation, which lasted for over 90 minutes, was seen as a crucial step toward peace, but Washington is pushing for more. The US wants a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire covering all military operations, a proposal that Russia has yet to fully endorse.

Ukraine’s Response: Uncertainty Remains

While Trump asserted that both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wanted an end to the war, Ukraine has not publicly confirmed its stance on the limited ceasefire plan. Kyiv has consistently called for a more comprehensive truce that includes halting Black Sea military operations, long-range missile strikes, and conducting prisoner exchanges.

The White House revealed that negotiations on further ceasefire terms would "begin immediately" in the Middle East, though details remained unclear. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine are set to exchange 175 prisoners of war each on Wednesday, with Russia also agreeing to return 23 severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

Putin’s Conditions for Peace

Putin has been firm on certain preconditions for any long-term ceasefire. According to a Kremlin readout of the call, Russia insists that Ukraine:

• Renounce NATO membership.
• Significantly reduce its military size.
• Ensure protection for the Russian language and culture within its borders.

Putin also pressed Trump to halt foreign military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine. While Trump has previously suggested limiting US aid to Kyiv, his administration continues to advocate for the broader 30-day ceasefire proposal.

Dividing Assets? A Controversial Proposal

In a striking revelation, Trump told reporters before the call that negotiations had progressed to the point of discussing "dividing up certain assets," including land and power plants. This raises concerns over whether territorial concessions by Ukraine could be part of a final peace deal. The fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been a point of contention, is reportedly among the topics under discussion.

The Black Sea and Beyond: What Comes Next?

A key outcome of the call was the agreement to begin technical negotiations on implementing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. However, it is unclear whether Ukraine will participate in these discussions.

Since Russia's 2022 invasion, Ukraine has launched drone and missile strikes deep into Russian territory, targeting energy facilities in an attempt to weaken Moscow’s war effort. The Kremlin views these attacks as acts of terrorism, while Kyiv argues they are necessary to disrupt Russia’s military supply lines.

Global Reactions: Allies on Edge

Trump’s diplomatic outreach to Putin has left US allies wary, particularly in Europe. Some leaders fear the limited ceasefire could play into Russia’s hands, giving its forces time to regroup while Ukraine remains vulnerable.

“It was striking how little concession Trump is asking from the Russians, although they invaded their neighbour,” said Susan Colbourn, an expert on European security issues at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Russia has massively expanded its military-industrial production capacity, preparing for what she described as "future confrontation with European democracies."

In a call with Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer "reiterated that all must work together to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to secure a just and lasting peace," according to a spokesperson for the British government.

Trump and Putin on Iran and the Middle East

Beyond Ukraine, the two leaders also discussed the Middle East, with both agreeing that "Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel." The US has accused Iran of supplying Russia with drones and missiles for use in Ukraine, further complicating geopolitical tensions.

While the ceasefire on energy and infrastructure strikes is a positive development, much remains uncertain. With Putin refusing a full cessation of hostilities and Ukraine’s position still unclear, the path to peace remains fragile.

As negotiations continue, the world watches to see whether Trump’s diplomatic efforts will yield real progress—or simply serve as a temporary pause in a long and bloody conflict.