US and Russian Leaders Discuss Ukraine Crisis for Over 90 Minutes
The US and Russian leaders spoke for more than an hour and a half on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, discussing ways to repair relations that have been strained since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
Putin Rejects Immediate Ceasefire, Demands End to Western Military Aid
In a much-anticipated call, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed with US President Donald Trump to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, Putin refused to accept an immediate full ceasefire, insisting that Western nations must first halt all military aid to Kyiv.
The White House confirmed that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky supported the energy ceasefire but expressed skepticism about Putin’s broader intentions.
“He is not ready for peace. He still wants to weaken Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
Trump, however, remained optimistic, posting on his Truth Social network:
“We have an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War.”
Russia’s Conditions for Peace Could Delay Ceasefire
Despite Trump’s optimism, the Kremlin clarified that a full ceasefire remains distant unless Ukraine and its Western allies halt military and intelligence support. A Kremlin statement confirmed that Putin had ordered a 30-day halt to strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, aligning with the US proposal.
The White House echoed this, stating:
“The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire.”
However, air raid sirens and explosions were heard in Kyiv just hours after the call, according to AFP journalists, suggesting that Russia’s wider military campaign continues.
Trump’s Push for a Ukraine Peace Deal Sparks Global Concern
Determined to deliver on his election pledge to end the war, Trump has taken a proactive approach in negotiations with Russia. His February announcement of talks with Putin raised alarms among US allies, who fear he may concede too much to Moscow.
Tensions further escalated when Trump had a heated, televised argument with Zelensky in the Oval Office over the direction of the peace talks. Meanwhile, European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, pledged continued military aid to Ukraine.
“Ukraine can count on us,” Scholz affirmed after the Kremlin’s announcement.
Putin Pushes for Concessions as Russia Advances
Despite talks of peace, Russia has been making territorial gains in southern and eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin insists that any long-term settlement must address its territorial and security concerns, which include the cessation of Western military aid and potential redrawing of Ukraine’s borders.
Adding to tensions, Russia claimed on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces attempted an attack on the Belgorod region, framing it as an effort to undermine Trump’s negotiations.
Western Allies Remain Skeptical of Putin’s Intentions
Trump recently suggested that discussions should include “dividing up certain assets” in Ukraine, such as land and power plants, a statement that raised concerns in European capitals.
While Ukraine has agreed to Washington’s proposed 30-day ceasefire and preferential access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, Putin remains firm on Russia’s broader demands.
With global attention fixed on these high-stakes negotiations, the next steps in US-Russia-Ukraine relations will determine whether this conflict moves toward resolution or escalates further.
