U.S. President Donald Trump is set to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. This call will mark another significant attempt to address one of the most pressing conflicts of our time, with discussions reportedly including the division of assets between the warring sides.
During his flight aboard Air Force One, Trump mentioned specifics about the upcoming dialogue, stating, "I think we'll be talking about land... we'll be talking about power plants." This reference appears to include the Moscow-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant located in southern Ukraine, indicating the complexity of potential negotiations surrounding Ukrainian territories.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed to reporters on Monday, March 17, 2025, "There is such a conversation being prepared for Tuesday," but did not elaborate on the topics. This statement indicates the Kremlin is taking the discussions seriously, albeit shrouded with uncertainty.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, who met with Putin the previous week, expressed optimism about the talks, stating, "I expect the two presidents are going to have a really good and positive discussion this week." Witkoff added, "I believe there could be some sort of deal in the coming weeks."
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has expressed frustration over Putin's intentions, accusing the Russian leader of wanting to prolong the fighting. Speaking on March 15, 2025, Zelensky warned, "Moscow wants to first 'improve their situation on the battlefield' before agreeing to any ceasefire."
Recent developments on the ground have only complicated matters. On March 17, Russia claimed its forces captured Stepove, a village located in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region. This announcement came alongside reports from civilians witnessing the ferocity of the fighting. Valentyna, 62, from Kostiantynivka, shared, "Everybody is waiting for peace." Her sentiments reflect the weariness of many affected by the continuing conflict.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin touted recent successes, asserting they have successfully ousted Ukrainian troops from Russia's western Kursk region. Moscow claimed to have regained control of Sudzha, the main town previously held by Ukraine since the summer 2024 incursion.
The impact of these military maneuvers on civilians remains dire. Andrey Klimenko, who recently fled his village of Zamostye, recounted the harrowing experience of escaping bombs and mortar fire. "I nearly died because of bombs, mortar fire, and drones," he said, now staying at a displacement center.
Ukrainian forces remain resolute, recently launching drone attacks against southern Russia, resulting in damage to oil infrastructure. This ebb and flow of violence highlights how fragile the situation remains even as talks loom on the horizon.
Putin, last week, ambiguously stated he would endorse a ceasefire only if it led to "long-term peace and addresses the root causes of the crisis." He has demanded Ukraine refrain from joining NATO and called for Russian territorial claims to be fulfilled.
Although feelings among ordinary Russians and Ukrainians lean toward peaceful resolutions, both leaders’ positions appear starkly divergent. While Zelensky firmly believes Putin’s conditions can jeopardize Ukraine’s sovereignty, some civilians like Yekaterina Panova, displaced from Kursk, cling to hope. "We really want America to somehow influence Russia's friendship with Ukraine," she remarked optimistically.
The backdrop of this conversation is steeped heavily in history—the conflict dates back to 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and has since escalated dramatically since February 2022. Today, Moscow controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, highlighting the deeply rooted territorial disputes fueling the current hostilities.
Despite governmental discord, the voices of those impacted resonate most. Many civilians express anxiety intermingled with hope: awaiting what the dialogues may yield but fearing the uncertainty surrounding potential warfare and political negotiations. "Every civilian should be free from the war," Andrey Klimenko stated poignantly, embodying the sentiments shared among his fellow displaced individuals.
On the precipice of these leaders engaging, the world watches closely. Will the discussions unravel possible paths to peace, or will geopolitical calculations prolong the conflict? The outcome of Trump and Putin’s discussions will likely have lasting repercussions on the region.
