US President Donald Trump is set to hold high-stakes discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin today, March 18, 2025, aiming to discuss the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This pivotal phone call is scheduled for between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM GMT and is part of intensified diplomatic effort to negotiate peace and potentially end the invasion of Ukraine, which has continued for three years.
Trump has expressed optimism about reaching a peace agreement, noting through social media and public statements, “many elements” of such a deal are already established. He made these remarks on the eve of the call, citing the need for discussions on key issues including land, nuclear power plants, and the division of assets—territory and resources long contested since the conflict began with Russia’s annexation of Crimea back in 2014.
The backdrop to this conversation features troubling military developments, as Russia conducted another offensive overnight, launching 137 drones targeted at various locations across Ukraine. Ukrainian air defenses managed to destroy 63 of these drones, with others failing to initiate damage due to electronic jamming tactics employed by Ukrainian forces, indicating the continued resilience and responsiveness of Kyiv's defense strategies.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky remains skeptical about the effectiveness of these discussions, reflecting on past frustrations with Russian commitments. He highlighted Russia’s tendency to approach negotiations with ulterior motives, including its recent military escalations. “The peace talks must not allow for any deceptive tactics from Russia,” Zelensky stated, underscoring the precariousness of the situation.
Meanwhile, President Trump and his administration are reportedly considering recognizing Crimea as Russian territory—a highly controversial option proposed to bring about peace. Sources have suggested this approach aims to demonstrate goodwill and facilitate negotiations between the US and Russia. Trump’s potential endorsement of this annexation has raised eyebrows among international observers, who question the ramifications of legitimizing Russia’s previous actions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirmed there exists, “a certain level of initial consensus” between the two leaders, resulting from prior discussions and diplomatic outreach. This phone call is set to clarify outstanding issues surrounding Ukraine and broader US-Russian relations, which still require significant resolution.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the administration's commitment to seeking peace, emphasizing the discussions today could pave the way for restoring some level of normalcy to US-Russia relations. She stated, “We have never been closer to achieving peace,” encouraging optimism on both sides.
Trump’s discussions may also touch upon strategic military aspects, including commitments to provide renewed intelligence support and security through existing alliances. The Saudis have been involved recently, showing interest in mediations. Following commitments from talks earlier this month, the US may reinforce its role, aiming to halt future aggression and establish lasting peace.
On the economic front, there is considerable scrutiny surrounding the $300 billion previously frozen funds of Russian assets held by various nations due to the war. European allies are now grappling with the decision on whether to seize these funds, which could complicate negotiations if Russia perceives such actions as antagonistic moves against their interests. The fate of these assets may play a role in the broader dialogue around peace as leaders weigh individual nation's efforts against collective sanctions.
With expectations running high and uncertainty looming over the outcomes, the forthcoming conversation between Trump and Putin may well determine the next significant steps taken toward achieving ceasefire and lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia. Analysts are watching closely, hoping for tangible commitments from both leaders to reignite stability within the region.
