The Kremlin has announced ongoing preparations for a crucial phone call between President Vladimir Putin and former President Donald Trump, scheduled for Tuesday. This anticipated conversation marks a pivotal moment in the U.S.-backed initiative to establish a cease-fire in Ukraine. The dialogue follows Ukraine’s conditional agreement to a monthlong truce, dependent on Russia’s commitment to cease hostilities. Although Trump has made it clear that a swift resolution is his goal, indications suggest Putin might leverage this situation to extract more concessions.
While flying on Air Force One, Trump expressed intentions to address territorial disputes and the fate of Ukrainian power plants with Putin. He hinted at possible discussions about asset division, stating, “We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can. Maybe we can’t, but I think we have a very good chance.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov confirmed the call but refrained from disclosing agenda specifics, emphasizing Moscow’s policy of not pre-empting leaders’ discussions.
Despite the proposal for a cease-fire, Putin has not yet provided a firm commitment, although he acknowledged its merits during a recent press conference. He stipulated conditions that could stall or undermine the truce, asserting the need for thorough dialogue with American counterparts. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, conducted a three- to four-hour meeting with Putin, aiming to narrow the differences between the nations. Witkoff described the talks positively, though he did not disclose details.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Putin of delaying the truce while Russian forces gain ground on the battlefield. In recent operations, Russian advances in the Kursk region have weakened Ukraine’s negotiating position, possibly pressuring Trump into recognizing Russia’s tactical advantages. Analysts suggest that Russian soldiers have crossed into Ukraine’s Sumy region, potentially opening a new front or encircling Ukrainian forces in Kursk.
Zelensky further alleged that Russia is gearing up for an offensive in Sumy, a populated area, suggesting a lack of genuine interest in peace on Putin’s part. He criticized Moscow for prolonging the conflict, saying, “Russia stole almost another week — a week of war that only Russia wants.” He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to intensifying diplomatic efforts to establish peace.
Trump’s mention of “power plants” implies their significance in future diplomatic endeavors. The comment coincides with Witkoff’s reference to a “nuclear reactor,” potentially alluding to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which Russia controls. The facility’s strategic importance is amplified by its location in Russia-annexed territory, heightening concerns over a potential radiological disaster. Ukrainian officials, including Viktoria Hryb of the Parliament’s energy security subcommittee, expressed surprise at these remarks, questioning the feasibility of Russia relinquishing such assets.
As talks of returning the plant to Ukrainian control surface, questions arise about what Moscow might demand in exchange. Former Parliament member Victoria Voytsitska indicated that resuming oil and gas exports to the West could be a priority for Russia, given their economic significance and the sanctions imposed on Russian energy.
The upcoming Trump-Putin call could define the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict, balancing potential diplomatic breakthroughs with the risk of further escalation.
Original Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/17/world/europe/putin-trump-russia-ukraine.html
Category : Peskov, Dmitri S,Putin, Vladimir V,Trump, Donald J,Witkoff, Steven,Zelensky, Volodymyr,Russian Invasion of Ukraine (2022),Kursk (Russia),Kyiv (Ukraine),Moscow (Russia),Russia,Ukraine
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Publish Date: 2025-03-17 21:56:00
