Trump to discuss Ukraine conflict with Putin On Tuesday

Department of Research, Studies and International News 17-03-2025

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, aiming to broker an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump expressed optimism about the potential outcome, stating that significant progress had been made over the weekend. 

Trump emphasized his determination to explore all possibilities for ending the war. “We want to see if we can bring that war to an end,” he told reporters. “Maybe we can, maybe we can’t, but I think we have a very good chance.” 

When asked about the key issues under negotiation, Trump highlighted discussions surrounding territorial divisions and energy infrastructure. He indicated that both Ukrainian and Russian representatives had already engaged in conversations about how to allocate certain resources. 

“We’re already talking about that, dividing up certain assets,” he remarked, without specifying further details. 

Russia’s Conditions for Peace

Trump’s statements coincided with comments from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, who outlined Moscow’s prerequisites for a peace agreement. In an interview with the Russian newspaper *Izvestia*, Grushko insisted that Ukraine’s exclusion from NATO membership must be a central component of any ceasefire arrangement. 

“For a lasting peace in Ukraine and enhanced regional security, we need ironclad guarantees,” Grushko stated. “A neutral status for Ukraine and a commitment from NATO countries not to accept it as a member should be part of these guarantees.” 

He further pointed out that such provisions had been incorporated in previous draft agreements between Russia and Ukraine. However, he noted that official negotiations had stalled and were not currently taking place. 

Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, confirmed to CNN that the upcoming conversation between Trump and Putin was expected to be “really good and positive.” The U.S. is pushing for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, a proposal that emerged from negotiations held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last week. 

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to the truce, Putin has yet to fully commit, stating that he supports the idea “in principle.” Last week, the Russian president expressed reservations about the plan, arguing that it would primarily benefit Kyiv. He also suggested that Russia’s recent battlefield successes made the timing of a ceasefire less favorable for Moscow. 

Ukraine’s Position on the Conflict

Zelenskyy, for his part, has accused Russia of prolonging the war to strengthen its strategic position before entering serious negotiations. On Saturday, he stated that Moscow was seeking to improve its standing on the battlefield rather than genuinely working toward peace. 

Recent developments on the front lines reflect this dynamic. Russian forces have managed to push Ukrainian troops out of much of the Kursk region. At the height of Ukraine’s counteroffensive in August, Kyiv had controlled approximately 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of territory in the area. However, Russian advances have significantly reduced Ukrainian gains. 

Challenges Ahead for Peace Talks

Despite Trump’s optimism, numerous challenges remain in securing a lasting ceasefire. The issue of territorial concessions is likely to be contentious, as Ukraine has consistently rejected any settlement that involves ceding land to Russia. Similarly, Russia’s demand for Ukraine’s permanent exclusion from NATO runs counter to Kyiv’s long-term security aspirations. 

Furthermore, while Trump’s direct involvement signals a renewed push for diplomacy, it remains unclear whether his approach will lead to substantive progress. Putin’s reluctance to fully endorse the Jeddah proposal raises doubts about the feasibility of an immediate truce. 

As the international community watches closely, the upcoming conversation between Trump and Putin could offer new insights into the potential for a negotiated resolution, or highlight the deep-seated divisions that continue to fuel the conflict.