Putin said he would accept a ceasefire on energy targets
In his call with President Trump, President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that, according to the Kremlin, he would accept a halt of energy infrastructure in Russia’s war, as long as both parties respect it. However, Russian leaders disagreed with the broader 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US and Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was open to suspending attacks on energy targets, but he also argued that the deal was not one-sided. “Russia will not attack our energy sector. We will remain silent,” he said. “We’ll respond.”
Putin told Trump, “The “important condition” for resolving the conflict is the end of the West’s military and intelligence reporting aid to Ukraine.” The path “es essentially would make Ukraine permanently vulnerable to Russia.”
The White House said a pause on an energy strike would be a first step towards peace, but the outcome of his call with Putin appears to be far below what Trump suggested was possible.
Analysis: Stopping attacks on energy targets will benefit both countries. Ukraine is struggling with repeated attacks on Russia’s electricity grid, and Ukrainian strikes against Russia’s oil and gas facilities put important revenue streams at stake.
Related:
The US is seeking access to Ukrainian minerals, which require extensive energy to process. The Zaporidia power plant, managed by Russia in southern Ukraine, can support its goals, Kiev says.
Russia has significantly strengthened its sabotage campaign as Europe and the US tried to pressure it to curb support for Ukraine.
Israeli strike against Gaza killed more than 400 people
Israeli forces launched a devastating air attack throughout the Gaza Strip yesterday, ending a temporary ceasefire with Hamas that began in January, increasing prospects for a return to all-out war. Gaza’s health ministry, one of the most deadly daily tolls in the war, said more than 400 people, including children, were killed on strike. Here’s what you need to know.
The attack came after weeks of fruitless stories aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire. The first phase of the armistice expired in early March, but it was largely held as diplomats worked to mediate extensions to free up surviving Israeli hostages and end the war. Of the 59 hostages still in Gaza, it is believed that less than half are alive.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday proposed that Israel coordinate with negotiations to launch further attacks. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We will continue to fight to achieve all the objectives of the war.” Hamas officials claimed that Israel had bravely overthrown the ceasefire, but that was not an immediate military response.
Analysis: Israel appears to have returned to war in an attempt to crush Hamas’ hopes to maintain control of Gaza, written by Patrick Kingsley and Ronen Bergman.
“For over two centuries, it has been established that ammo each is not an appropriate response to differences in opinion over judicial decisions.” A judge attacked by Trump ordered the suspension of deportation of hundreds of migrants to El Salvador.
Context: Deportation cases emerge as a flashpoint amid a larger debate about the role of courts in considering presidential forces and how their power is applied.
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Conversation starter
Arts and ideas
One flower, one picture
Pieto Mondrian is known for his abstract works of shiny black lines and red or blue planes. But our critic Jason Farago continued to return to the portrait of one true chrysanthemum artist in the blue galaxy of petals.
“Whether it’s a solo flower or an abstract field, he teaches you the beauty of parts and who,” writes Jason. I’ll go into work.
That’s for today’s briefing. see you tomorrow. – Natasha
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