The leaders of the European Union have expressed cautious optimism following the phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18, during which they discussed a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. While some European leaders welcomed the move as a step toward de-escalation, others voiced concerns over the credibility of Russia’s commitments and the implications of a US-Russia peace deal for Ukraine and the broader European security landscape.

During the 2.5-hour conversation, Putin reportedly agreed to halt Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days and conduct a prisoner exchange with Kiev on March 20. According to the Kremlin, Putin emphasized that past ceasefire agreements had been repeatedly sabotaged by Ukraine and expressed concerns about the enforcement of a proposed comprehensive truce. Trump and Putin both described the talks as “productive and useful” in bringing about an eventual resolution to the ongoing conflict.

The announcement of the ceasefire pause elicited a range of responses from EU leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron both cautiously welcomed the discussions but underscored their continued commitment to supporting Ukraine.

Scholz, speaking at a press conference in Berlin alongside Macron, stressed that while the talks were a positive development, they were only a first step: “The next step must be a complete ceasefire for Ukraine and as quickly as possible.........

© Blitz