Trump to Speak with Putin on Tuesday, Ending War in Ukraine

WASHINGTON, March 17 (Reuters) — U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that he will hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in a fresh bid to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. His remarks come after a series of encouraging discussions between U.S. and Russian officials in Moscow.

Trump: ‘Good Chance’ to End the War

Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming discussion, saying, “There’s a good chance we can end this war, and I’m determined to make that happen.” His administration has been working behind the scenes to find a diplomatic solution, emphasizing de-escalation and dialogue over military confrontation.

The announcement follows weeks of intense back-channel negotiations between Washington and Moscow, signaling a possible shift toward peace efforts after more than two years of conflict.

Ukraine Supports 30-Day Ceasefire Proposal

The Ukrainian government has endorsed a proposed 30-day ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid and diplomatic talks to proceed. President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that while a ceasefire would be welcome, Ukraine will not accept any compromise that undermines its sovereignty.

Speaking from Kyiv, Zelensky said, “Ukraine is open to peace, but we will not surrender our right to exist as a free and independent nation.”

Russia’s Stance: Neutrality and NATO Exclusion

The Kremlin has reiterated its stance, demanding that Ukraine remain neutral and be permanently excluded from NATO membership. These conditions have long been sticking points in negotiations, as Ukraine has sought closer ties with Western allies.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that any peace deal must address Moscow’s security concerns. “For any agreement to be reached, Ukraine must commit to neutrality and end its aspirations of joining NATO,” Lavrov said.

Europe and Britain Ready to Send Peacekeepers

European and British leaders have indicated they are prepared to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine if a ceasefire is agreed upon. The proposal includes NATO-backed monitoring forces to ensure compliance.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “If a ceasefire is achieved, the international community has a responsibility to uphold it.”

Challenges to a Lasting Peace

Despite the optimism surrounding Trump’s talks with Putin, several obstacles could derail progress:

• Russia’s Demands: Ukraine has repeatedly rejected Moscow’s insistence on neutrality, making negotiations difficult.
• Trust Issues: Previous ceasefire agreements have collapsed due to violations by both sides.
• Western Skepticism: European leaders remain cautious about Russia’s willingness to adhere to any agreement.

Geopolitical Reactions

The international community has reacted cautiously to the upcoming talks. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed diplomatic efforts but warned that any deal should not reward aggression.

Meanwhile, China has called for a balanced approach, urging both sides to pursue peace without Western interference. Iran and Belarus, key Russian allies, have expressed support for Moscow’s position.

What Happens Next?

If Trump and Putin reach an agreement, it could mark a significant turning point in the conflict. However, if talks fail, the war may continue to escalate, with increased military aid from Western nations to Ukraine.

The world now awaits Tuesday’s critical conversation between Trump and Putin. The outcome will determine whether peace is truly within reach or if the war in Ukraine will persist.

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