**Ukraine’s Zelensky: No Talk with Trump After Putin Call**
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has not spoken with US President Donald Trump since a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump earlier on March 18. This was reported by the Ukrainian news outlet Suspilne.
**Trump and Putin’s Conversation**
During that conversation, Putin agreed to a 30-day pause on energy infrastructure attacks but rejected Washington’s proposal for a complete cessation of hostilities. Zelensky said he expected to discuss the matter in detail soon with Trump.
**Prisoner Swap**
Zelensky confirmed that a prisoner swap would take place on March 19, as planned before Putin’s conversation with Trump. He also said that Moscow had pledged to return more than 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
**Putin’s Ultimatums**
However, Zelensky criticized Putin for rejecting the US proposal and instead trying to “issue ultimatums” rather than negotiate in good faith. The Ukrainian president said this showed Russia’s true intentions: to put pressure on Ukraine and then make demands from a position of strength.
**Kremlin’s Demands**
The Kremlin responded by demanding that Ukraine halt all foreign military aid and intelligence, as well as cease the mobilization and rearmament of its military. This echoes previous ceasefire demands.
**US and Russia to Negotiate**
Despite this, the White House announced that the US and Russia would begin negotiations on ceasefire terms, including a pause on energy sector attacks and discussions on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. These talks will take place in the Middle East.
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