On the 18th local time, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. According to reports from multiple media outlets including Sputnik News, TASS, and Sky News, the two leaders discussed issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the normalization of Russia-U.S. relations during the call. After the conversation, the Kremlin and the White House each released statements regarding the content of the call.
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According to TASS, the content of the phone call between Putin and Trump was published on the Russian presidential website on the 18th. The following is the full text:
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· The leaders exchanged detailed and candid opinions on the situation in Ukraine. Putin expressed gratitude for Trump's willingness to help achieve the noble goal of ending the (Russia-Ukraine) conflict and reducing casualties.
· Putin reiterated his fundamental position on a peaceful resolution of the conflict, expressing a willingness to carefully explore possible ways to resolve the conflict with U.S. partners. These approaches should be comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term. At the same time, it is essential to consider the absolute necessity of eliminating the root causes of the crisis and Russia's legitimate interests in the security field.
· In response to the U.S. president's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, the Russian side put forward a series of important propositions, including ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire front line, stopping forced mobilization within Ukraine, and rearming the Ukrainian armed forces. The Kyiv regime is unable to negotiate and has repeatedly undermined and violated agreements that have been reached, which poses serious risks. Additionally, the Russian side drew attention to the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian armed groups against civilians in the Kursk region.
· Both sides emphasized that a key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and resolving it through political and diplomatic means is to completely stop providing foreign military assistance and intelligence to Kyiv.
· Regarding Trump's recent call for the forgiveness of the lives of Ukrainian soldiers trapped in the Kursk region, Putin confirmed that the Russian side is willing to adhere to humanitarian principles, and in the event of the surrender of Ukrainian soldiers, the Russian side will ensure the safety and dignified treatment of Ukrainian armed forces soldiers in accordance with Russian law and international law.
· During the call, Trump proposed that both sides refrain from attacking energy infrastructure within 30 days. Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately issued corresponding orders to the Russian military.
· The Russian president also made a constructive response to Trump's proposal regarding the safety of shipping in the Black Sea. Both sides agreed to begin negotiations to further refine the specific terms of the agreement.
· Putin stated that a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine will take place on March 19, with both sides exchanging 175 individuals. Additionally, as a gesture of goodwill, 23 seriously injured Ukrainian soldiers currently receiving treatment in Russian medical institutions will also be handed over.
· The two leaders confirmed that they will continue to address the Ukraine issue through a bilateral model, including considering the U.S. president's aforementioned proposals. To this end, Russia and the United States are forming expert groups.
· Putin and Trump also discussed other international agenda issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Both sides will work together to stabilize the situation in crisis areas and establish cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and global security issues
This will also help improve the overall atmosphere of Russia-U.S. relations. A positive example is that both sides voted in favor of the resolution on the Ukraine conflict at the United Nations.
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· In light of the special responsibility of Russia and the United States to ensure world security and stability, both sides expressed a common willingness to restore the normalization of bilateral relations. In this context, both sides are considering possible cooperation in various fields. They also discussed a range of ideas for mutually beneficial cooperation in the economic and energy sectors.
· Trump supports Putin's idea of organizing a hockey match between the U.S. and Russia, featuring players from the NHL (National Hockey League) and KHL (Kontinental Hockey League).
· The two presidents agreed to stay in touch regarding all the above issues.
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On the 18th, the White House also released a summary of the call between the leaders of the U.S. and Russia. White House Press Secretary Levitt stated that President Trump spoke with President Putin that day, and both discussed the necessity of peace and ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, agreeing that this conflict needs to end with lasting peace.
The full text is as follows:
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Today, President Trump and President Putin communicated about the necessity of achieving peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. The two leaders unanimously agreed that this conflict must end with lasting peace. They also emphasized the need to improve U.S.-Russia bilateral relations. The blood and wealth consumed by Ukraine and Russia in this war should have been better used to meet the needs of their respective peoples.
This conflict should never have started and should have ended long ago with sincere and goodwill peace efforts. The two leaders agreed that achieving peace will begin with a ceasefire in energy and infrastructure, as well as technical negotiations on implementing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, a comprehensive ceasefire, and permanent peace. Relevant negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.
Both sides extensively discussed the potential of the Middle East as a cooperative area to prevent future conflicts, and further discussed the necessity of preventing the proliferation of strategic weapons, cooperating with other countries to ensure implementation as broadly as possible. Both sides unanimously agreed that Iran &#34;should never have the capability&#34; to destroy Israel.
The two leaders unanimously agreed that the future improvement of U.S.-Russia bilateral relations will bring enormous benefits, including substantial economic and trade cooperation and geopolitical stability following the achievement of peace.
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Source: Global Times, original title: &#34;A Summary! What Did Trump and Putin Discuss in Their Call? The Kremlin and the White House Release the Call Minutes&#34;

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The Kremlin's statement said, "The key condition for preventing the escalation of conflict and resolving it through political and diplomatic means is to completely stop providing foreign military assistance and intelligence information to Kyiv." The White House statement said, "Achieving peace will begin with a ceasefire on energy and infrastructure, as well as technical negotiations on implementing a ceasefire in the Black Sea, a comprehensive ceasefire, and permanent peace. Relevant negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East."

- On March 18, Russian President Putin and U.S. President Trump discussed the Ukraine conflict and the normalization of U.S.-Russia relations during a phone call.  
- Both leaders emphasized the need for a lasting peace, agreeing to negotiate a ceasefire regarding energy infrastructure and to address broader issues in the Middle East.  
- They expressed a mutual desire to restore bilateral relations and explore cooperation in various fields, including economic and energy sectors.

A summary article! What did Trump and Putin discuss during their call? The Kremlin and the White House released the minutes of the conversation