Ukraine and Russia Agree on Temporary Energy Ceasefire in New Diplomatic Effort**

In a significant diplomatic development, Ukraine has agreed to a mutual pause in attacks on energy targets with Russia, requiring U.S. oversight, aiming for a more extensive ceasefire.**

In a notable diplomatic breakthrough, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accepted Russia's proposal for a 30-day halt in strikes on energy infrastructures as part of an initiative to pave the way for a broader ceasefire. The agreement was discussed during a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, who characterized the dialogue as “very good.” Zelensky echoed this sentiment, labeling the exchange as “positive, very substantive, and frank,” and expressed gratitude for the continued U.S. support.

The bilateral talk came shortly after Trump’s conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a significant shift from a previously tumultuous meeting between Trump and Zelensky last month. During the call, Trump proposed the controversial idea of the U.S. taking control of Ukrainian power plants, a notion dismissed by local energy experts as impractical.

The White House announced that discussions would soon commence in Saudi Arabia to explore the expansion of the ceasefire to include activities in the Black Sea, setting the stage for a potential full ceasefire. Zelensky emphasized that the agreement would necessitate U.S. monitoring to ensure compliance, stating, “Just the assertion and the word of Putin that he will not strike energy sites is too little.”

As this diplomatic effort unfolds, observers note that while Putin has made concessions on the surface, the depth of any real agreement remains uncertain. The coming days will be crucial in determining the terms of engagement and the possibility of a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict.