**Kremlin Demands Ukraine Stop Foreign Military Aid**
The Kremlin has made it clear that they want Ukraine to stop getting help from other countries. They say this is a “key condition for avoiding an escalation of the war”. The Kremlin’s statement came out on March 18, after a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
**Call Between Putin and Trump**
The phone call was 1.5 hours long. During it, they talked about ending the war in Ukraine and a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire to allow for more peace talks. The Kremlin also wants Ukraine to stop mobilizing its military and getting re-armed.
**Prisoner Swap Announced**
During the call, Putin said that on March 19, there would be a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia. This will see 175 people released. Moscow has also promised to release over 20 seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv.
**Expert Groups to Talk Peace**
The two parties have agreed to set up expert groups from the US and Russia to talk about how to end the war bilaterally. Putin praised Trump for trying to end hostilities and prevent loss of life.
**UK Prime Minister Speaks Out**
Before the call, Trump spoke with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer told him that Ukraine must be in a strong position to secure a just and lasting peace.
**US-Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal**
The phone discussion follows the US and Ukraine agreeing on a 30-day ceasefire during talks in Saudi Arabia on March 11. This was provided that Russia abided by it. The US subsequently resumed military and intelligence support for Ukraine after suspending it previously.
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