On March 18, 2025, former President Donald Trump initiated talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. The call was reported to have started at 10:00 AM North American time (4:00 PM Kyiv time), with Trump's communications director, Dan Scavino, noting, "The call is going well and is still going." This conversation is part of Trump's broader plan to negotiate the end of the war—a move closely watched amid rising global tensions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the scheduled negotiations, indicating they would happen between 4 PM and 6 PM Moscow time (3 PM to 6 PM Kyiv time). He remarked, "We have a definite finding between Moscow and Washington already, but there is still a whole range of unresolved issues." The talks come at a time when White House Press Secretary Karoline Livitt stated, "A peaceful agreement is 'close as ever.'" It reflects the urgency to find common ground amid alternative narratives from both Russia and Ukraine.
Prior to these direct negotiations, significant discussions were held on March 11, 2025, between representatives of the US and Ukraine in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During these discussions, the US proposed implementing a 30-day ceasefire, which Kyiv expressed readiness to accept. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy articulated the necessity of the ceasefire, stating, "Not only rockets, drones, and bombs, not only in the Black Sea, but also along the entire front line" need to be addressed within this agreement.
Contrastingly, Russian officials, including Putin's aide Yuriy Ushakov, were dismissive of the ceasefire, framing the proposal as "nothing more than a temporary respite for the Ukrainian military." On March 13, Ushakov indicated, "The Russian Federation does not want such truce, as we strive for long-term peaceful resolutions." This highlights the dramatic disparity between the negotiations' participants, as they grapple with historical grievances.
Trump's broader strategic framework seems to encompass increasing sanctions against Russia, with American officials announcing plans for maximum sanctions on the same day as Ushakov's comments about the ceasefire. This serves both as leverage for negotiations and as part of the administration's objective to strengthen its position prior to significant discussions with Putin.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stepped forward to push for international cooperation, asserting the need for the coalition of nations to work diligently to support Ukraine. On March 17, 2025, he held talks with Trump and emphasized, "Everyone should work together to put Ukraine in a stronger position to secure a just and lasting peace." Such collaboration reflects mounting global support for Ukraine from over 30 countries, who are forming what is termed the 'coalition of the willing.'
This coalition aims to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine, including the possibility of military deployment as peacekeepers from NATO nations to deter any future aggression from Russia. Starmer underscored the significance of these international ties, which he has been solidifying since March 2. "Great Britain, France, and Ukraine will work collaboratively on this peace agreement which may be presented to the United States," he noted.
On March 15, Starmer convened leaders from around the globe via video to discuss support for Ukrainian military needs and establish intelligence and logistical assistance for the peacekeeping efforts. Approximately 35 countries, as reported by The Times, have already agreed to furnish Ukraine with arms, logistical support, and intelligence information—an indication of the mounting international pressure on Russia.
Looking forward, the next meeting of the 'coalition of the willing' leaders is set for March 20 in London, where they will finalize plans to bolster Ukraine's defenses and establish ‘strong and reliable plans' to buttress the proposed peace agreements. The pursuit of peace continues to be fraught with complexity.
Starmer's readiness to position British troops as peacekeepers indefinitely underlines the United Kingdom's commitment to Ukraine amid the uncertain diplomatic environment. This potential long-term military presence could act as both deterrence against Russian aggression and reassurance to Ukraine, signifying joint resistance against authoritarian behavior.
Trump’s discussions with Putin will undoubtedly shape future conversations surrounding the war, yet the outcomes remain uncertain, heavily reliant on the Kremlin's willingness to compromise. If the international coalition's initiatives are any indication, both sides are under increasing pressure to resolve their differences amicably.
With geopolitical stakes higher than ever, leaders are increasingly aware of their responsibility to navigate these turbulent negotiations adeptly. The quest for peace is more urgent than ever, reflecting the necessity for unity among global allies. The dialogues between Trump and Putin, paired with unprecedented international support for Ukraine, may serve as pivotal moments—as long as the involved parties heed the signals of the moment.
