President Donald Trump held a 2 1/2 hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18, 2025, aimed at negotiating a potential 30-day ceasefire to end the three-year war in Ukraine.
The call, described as “going well” by White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, was the first known communication between the two leaders since Ukrainian officials agreed to the U.S.-proposed ceasefire framework during talks held in Saudi Arabia the previous week.
Trump indicated earlier he hoped to discuss strategic territorial matters with Putin, including discussions on “dividing up certain assets” and the future of power plants captured during the conflict. The recent peace initiative follows intensified fighting as Putin’s forces push closer to encircling Ukrainian troops in the border regions.
During the call, Putin reaffirmed his support for the ceasefire proposal, though he outlined several conditions, including guarantees against Ukrainian rearmament during any potential pause. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains skeptical, accusing Putin of deliberately prolonging the conflict.
Trump emphasized his motivation for involvement stems from humanitarian concerns, stating, “a lot of people are being killed over there.” He remarked on the need to secure peace and praised Ukraine for doing the “right thing” by agreeing to the ceasefire.
The ceasefire talks, which initiated from negotiations led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, included proposals for both immediate military aid resumption and discussions over Ukraine’s mineral resource development.
Trump's administration faced criticism for previously suspending military aid amid tensions with Zelenskyy, who expressed gratitude for continued American support.
While Putin expressed willingness for discussions, he outlined severe conditions, demanding Ukraine limit military capabilities and renounce NATO aspirations, highlighting the complicated nature of the negotiations.
Zelenskyy, speaking during his nightly address, reiterated his doubt about Putin’s commitment to peace, asserting it was clear to the global community who was delaying progress and prolonging the war.
Trump's approach to the conflict has shifted public perception as he emphasizes rapid conflict resolution, even at the cost of potentially sidelining traditional U.S. allies who favor stronger penalties against Russia.
The backdrop to this situation is significant, as March 18 marks 11 years since Russia’s annexation of Crimea, intensifying the sense of urgency for both sides to come to terms. Trump lauded the potential for peace, noting, “Whenever you look at the land, it’s certainly far different than it was before the wars,” reflecting the fluidity of territorial control amid the conflict.
While U.S. officials from both the White House and Kremlin showed commitment to peace discussions, analysts highlight the precarious situation—with Russia's military gaining ground and Ukraine's defenses facing adversity. Trump stated on multiple occasions, “I think we have a very good chance” and hinted at delineation of territory during the negotiations.
Currently, the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant looms large over the peace talks. This facility has been under Russian control since early in the conflict and is viewed as pivotal not only for energy security but also for its potential consequences on regional safety. The discussions about the plant and shared assets reflect wider geopolitical maneuvers with both nations gauging their positions as the talks progress.
Among the challenges to effective negotiation are growing tensions within the U.S. Congress around bipartisan support for aid to Ukraine, and concerns about undermined Western unity against Russia's increased military presence. Chief Justice John Roberts publicly admonished Trump for inflammatory comments against judicial authority, highlighting the administration's contested political environment.
With each side retaining hardline stances, the fidelity of the negotiations moving forward remains uncertain. Senate leaders have cautioned against diminishing support for Ukraine, and Trump faces pressures from both domestic critics and international partners who demand accountability from Russia.
It is evident the stakes are high, both for Trump seeking to demonstrate capability on the global stage and for Putin who has long sought the fruition of strategic aspirations at Ukraine’s expense.
The outcome of these negotiations remains tightly interwoven with the prospects of peace and stability beyond the region, affecting global diplomatic relationships and security parameters as the war continues.
For now, both sides are left to ponder their next moves, as international observers keep watch on the development of this tense situation.
