The United States and Russia are on the cusp of a potentially pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as President Donald Trump has confirmed plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, March 18, to discuss a possible end to the war. This development comes as the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the conflict, which has resulted in significant human suffering and geopolitical tensions.
According to Trump, who spoke to reporters on Air Force One while returning to Washington from Florida, the conversation with Putin will explore the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine. The US President expressed optimism about the prospects of a successful negotiation, suggesting that there is a good chance of finding a resolution. When asked about the terms of the potential agreement, Trump mentioned that discussions would focus on territorial issues and power plants, indicating that both Ukraine and Russia have already engaged in substantial talks on these matters and are negotiating certain benefits.
Prior to this announcement, Trump had been pushing for a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine agreed to last week. However, both sides continued to exchange airstrikes over the weekend, highlighting the challenges in achieving a lasting peace. Meanwhile, the Russian military has been advancing to pressure Ukrainian forces to withdraw from occupied areas in the Kursk region, which Ukraine has controlled for several months.
In a social media post on Friday, Trump revealed that he had urged Putin not to kill thousands of Ukrainian soldiers that Russia is trying to expel from the Kursk region, with Putin responding that he would spare their lives if they surrendered. On Sunday, senior US officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Senator Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, emphasized that significant obstacles need to be overcome before Russia will accept a ceasefire agreement. Furthermore, they noted that finding a permanent solution to the conflict is a complex issue, with Rubio stating on CBS that a final peace deal will require hard work and compromise from both Russia and Ukraine. He also acknowledged that it is difficult to initiate negotiations as long as both sides continue to exchange fire.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains vigilant, recognizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The upcoming conversation between Trump and Putin is seen as a critical step in this process, and its outcome will be closely watched by leaders and citizens around the world.
Source: channelnewsasia