Trump and Putin to Discuss Ukraine War Amid Ceasefire Talks
3 min read
MARCH 17,2025
President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin plan to speak on Tuesday in an effort to end the Ukraine war. Aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump stressed the urgency of peace efforts, saying, “We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can, maybe we can’t, but I think we have a very good chance.” Their upcoming discussion will be a key moment in efforts to secure a resolution.
Ceasefire Talks and Key Concessions
When asked about potential concessions in the ceasefire negotiations, Trump revealed that discussions would include territorial divisions and control over power plants. “I think we have a lot of it already discussed very much by both sides, Ukraine and Russia,” he said. “We’re already talking about that, dividing up certain assets.”
US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on board Air Force One while flying to Washington, DC, from Florida, on March 16, 2025 [Brendan Smialowski/AFP]
This statement underscores the complexity of brokering a peace deal, as both nations have entrenched interests in the contested regions. Trump and Putin’s dialogue will be crucial in determining the next steps for a possible resolution.
Russia’s NATO Demand as a Peace Condition
Just hours before Trump’s remarks, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated in an interview with Russian media outlet Izvestia that any peace deal must include a ban on Ukraine’s NATO membership.
“Only by establishing ironclad security guarantees can lasting peace in Ukraine be achieved and regional security strengthened overall,” Grushko said. “A neutral status for Ukraine and NATO countries refraining from accepting it as a member of the alliance should be part of these guarantees.”
His comments suggest that Russia remains firm on one of its core demands—keeping Ukraine out of NATO—despite Ukraine’s aspirations to align with the Western military alliance. This will likely be a major point of discussion when Trump and Putin engage in their high-stakes conversation.
Trump’s Special Envoy Signals Positive Talks Between Trump and Putin
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, echoed optimism regarding the upcoming dialogue, telling CNN that the leaders anticipate a “really good and positive discussion.” Washington is currently pushing for an immediate 30-day truce proposal, which was put forward in last week’s peace talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed support for the proposal, Putin has yet to fully commit. The Russian leader previously stated that while he agrees with the plan in principle, he has “serious questions” regarding its implementation, noting that Russian forces are currently making territorial gains. Trump and Putin’s discussion will play a decisive role in determining if progress can be made.
Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Stalling as Trump and Putin Prepare to Talk
On Saturday, Zelenskyy accused Moscow of prolonging the war to improve its strategic position before committing to a ceasefire.
“They don’t want to end the war. They want to improve their situation on the battlefield before pretending to negotiate peace,” Zelenskyy said, highlighting his concerns about Russia’s long-term intentions.
Meanwhile, Russian troops have recently regained control of significant areas in Ukraine’s Kursk region, where Kyiv once controlled approximately 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) at the peak of its counteroffensive last August.
What’s Next in the Trump-Putin Talks?
As Trump and Putin prepare for their crucial discussion, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a breakthrough in the devastating Ukraine conflict.
Will Trump and Putin’s conversation lead to lasting peace or another diplomatic stalemate? Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding crisis.
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