Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart Donald Trump had a two and half hour-long telephonic conversation on 18 March, discussing the ceasefire proposal for the Ukraine war. Even though Putin did not agree to a wider ceasefire during the 90-minute phone call, he agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days. Subsequently, he ordered the Russian military to stop strikes against energy facilities in the region.
While Putin expressed his readiness to work closely with the American partners on a “thorough and comprehensive settlement,” he reiterated the need to address the “root causes of the crisis while considering Russia’s legitimate security interests.”
The two leaders also discussed the current 30-day ceasefire proposal, with the Russian side expressing some key concerns, including the need for effective monitoring of the ceasefire along the entire front line, the halt of forced mobilisation in Ukraine and the stopping of military rearmament. Putin also confirmed that Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region who surrender will be granted safety and treated in accordance with international humanitarian laws.
On maritime security, Moscow and Washington agreed to initiate further negotiations to refine the details of an arrangement in the Black Sea.
Putin also informed Trump that both sides would carry out a prisoner exchange involving 175 detainees from each side. The swap that took place on March 19, is one of the largest prisoner exchanges since the war started three years ago. During the call, Russia also said they will transfer 23 severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers who are currently being treated in Russian hospitals.
Moreover, Putin emphasised that “cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine” is imperative to “prevent further escalation and to reach at a political-diplomatic resolution.”
President Trump in a post on Truth Social has indicated that the phone call was “very good and productive.” This phone conversation is the second telephonic conversation between Putin and Trump, since the latter assumed office on 20 January 2025. Trump wrote that, “Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!”
Additionally, both leaders have also expressed a mutual desire to normalise US-Russia relations and agreed to persist in discussions regarding global security, economic collaboration, and even cultural exchanges, such as NHL-KHL hockey matches.
Russian Concerns
Earlier during a joint press conference after the Russian-Belarusian talks on 13 March, Russian President Putin thanked US President Trump for his initiatives for a settlement in Ukraine, stating that, “We [Putin/Russians] agree with the proposals to cease hostilities but proceed from the assumption that this cessation should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of this crisis.”
However, Putin raised significant concerns about the ceasefire deal. Firstly, about the incursion section in the Kursk region and how the recent developments there will play out, particularly regarding the Ukrainian servicemen present in the region. Secondly, there remains a lack of clarity on whether the ceasefire will be used by Ukraine for forced mobilisation and weapon supplies, which could undermine the ceasefire. Thirdly, he noted, with a contact line which is around 2000 kms long, concerns remain on how the ceasefire will be enforced in such a vast area. Additionally, during the press conference, he raised issues related to determining who would be responsible for violations and how to ensure that no one violates the ceasefire agreement. These concerns have reflected the complexities of implementing a ceasefire and the need for clear agreements on control, responsibility, and verification.
The US-Ukraine Talks in Jeddah
The talks between US and Ukraine in Jeddah, held less than two weeks after the contentious and disastrous meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signalled a shift toward collaboration, as both delegations reconvened to work toward reaching an agreement aimed at ending the conflict and establishing a path to long-term peace and security for Ukraine.
The nine and half hour-long negotiation was attended by the Head of President Zelenskyy’s Office Andriy Yermak, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov and Pavlo Palisa, a colonel in Zelenskyy’s office, on the Ukrainian side. While the US delegation was led by Secretary Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
Praising the bravery of the Ukrainian citizens, both sides had reiterated the dire need to end the war and begin the process of lasting peace. In the joint statement released by the Governments of the United States of America and Ukraine, the latter expressed “readiness to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate interim 30-day ceasefire.” This acceptance however comes as the US lifts the “pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine.”
Both sides agreed to designate their negotiating teams and begin talks immediately towards achieving a lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s long-term security. The United States committed to engage in discussions about these specific proposals with Russian representatives, while the Ukrainian delegation stressed the involvement of European partners in the peace process.
Finally, both presidents also agreed to finalise as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement focused on developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, aiming to boost its economy and secure its long-term prosperity and security.
What does Ukraine want from the ceasefire?
On 12 March President Zelenskyy took to X describing the discussions in Saudi Arabia as “constructive.” He reiterated that the “Our [Ukrainian] position remains absolutely clear: Ukraine has been seeking peace from the very first second of this war, and we want to do everything to achieve it as soon as possible and in a reliable way—so that war does not return.”
He further mentioned that during the meeting with the Americans, Ukraine proposed three key points:
- Silence in the skies—stopping missile strikes, bombs, and long-range drone attacks;
- Silence at sea;
- Real confidence-building measures, primarily the release of prisoners of war and detainees—both military and civilian—and the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly transferred to Russia.
However, as Zelenskyy announced Ukraine’s willingness to accept this proposal viewing it as a positive step, it is important to take note of the uncertainty about which nations might get involved as the peace process progresses, and what their new conditions might be.
Conclusion
Thus, the recent phone conversation between the two leaders serves as a beacon of hope in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, signifying a pivotal moment in diplomatic efforts towards peace. With both leaders expressing a shared desire to normalise US-Russia relations and pursue comprehensive solutions for global security, this conversation could very well mark the first significant step toward resolving the crisis in Ukraine. The mutual commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict, reflects a genuine intention to de-escalate tensions and work towards a lasting peace. While challenges remain, the fact that both parties have expressed willingness to engage in further talks offers a glimmer of optimism for the future. Ultimately, this dialogue may lay the groundwork for a new phase of cooperation, bringing the possibility of peace closer within reach for Ukraine and the world.
