On March 18, 2025, President Vladimir Putin and former President Donald Trump engaged in a significant phone conversation that focused on the ongoing situation surrounding Ukraine. The Kremlin press service reported that the leaders conducted a detailed and open exchange of views, with Putin expressing gratitude to Trump for his interest in achieving the noble goal of ending hostilities and reducing human losses.
During the conversation, Putin reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, stating, "President Putin expressed readiness to work with American partners on ways to regulate that should be comprehensive, stable and long-term and take into account Russia's legitimate interests in the field of security." This reflects a shift in tone from previous communications, indicating an openness to collaboration.
One of the central topics discussed was the proposed 30-day ceasefire initiated by the U.S. President. However, Putin raised significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of such a ceasefire, notably emphasizing the need for control mechanisms to ensure compliance. He indicated that foreign military assistance to Ukraine must cease entirely, along with the provision of intelligence, stating that, "for the introduction of a 30-day ceasefire, it is necessary to completely stop foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence to Ukraine." This demand underlines Russia's belief that military support for Ukraine undermines the prospects for peace.
Moreover, Putin pointedly addressed Ukraine's ongoing forced mobilization of troops, arguing it should come to an end. He articulated that successful and lasting negotiations would require the dismantling of military mobilization efforts and a halt to the rearmament of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In a humanitarian gesture, Putin assured that the Russian military would guarantee decent treatment for Ukrainian soldiers if they surrendered in the Kursk region. He stated that, "in the event of surrender, [Russia] guarantees the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine life and decent treatment, in accordance with Russian laws and norms of international law." This promise seems aimed at addressing the concerns raised by Trump regarding the welfare of encircled Ukrainian servicemen.
Trump proposed that both parties should refrain from conducting strikes on energy infrastructure for the duration of the truce. Putin responded positively to Trump's suggestion and quickly instructed the military to comply. Such a commitment could serve as a goodwill gesture aimed at enhancing the credibility of both parties in the peace process.
Additionally, the presidents discussed maritime security in the Black Sea, identifying it as another area for potential cooperation. Putin reacted constructively to Trump's ideas regarding the safety of shipping in the region, leading to an agreement to commence negotiations to explore the details of such arrangements.
In their discussion, both leaders emphasized a mutual intention to continue their efforts toward a resolution of the Ukrainian conflict through bilateral negotiations. They agreed to form expert groups from both nations to facilitate these discussions, a move that underscores the seriousness with which both parties appear to be taking this engagement.
The Kremlin's statement underscored the perceived risks associated with the "non-negotiability" of the current Ukrainian regime, asserting that it has repeatedly sabotaged and violated agreements in the past. Putin warned of the dangers of escalating tensions if foreign military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv were to continue unimpeded, placing responsibility on external parties for exacerbating the conflict.
Overall, the conversation marks a noteworthy moment in U.S.-Russian relations, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By openly discussing conditions for a ceasefire and reaffirming a commitment to humanitarian considerations, both leaders are shaping the narrative towards a potentially more diplomatic approach.
The outcomes of this dialogue remain to be seen, particularly in how both nations translate these discussions into concrete actions on the ground. As the international community watches closely, the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, and new developments could significantly impact the geopolitical landscape.
