Trump-Putin Talks Set For Tomorrow As US Intensifies Efforts To Resolve Ukraine Conflict Following Saudi-Brokered Ceasefire Proposal

In a potential turning point for the Ukraine conflict, US President Donald Trump has announced that he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (18 March) as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker a resolution to the war, The Hindu reported.

The announcement was made to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday evening while Trump was en route from Florida to Washington.

“We will see if we have something to announce maybe by Tuesday. I will be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday,” Trump was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

This upcoming conversation signals a pivotal moment in US foreign policy, with Trump’s approach to Russia and his stance on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy under intense scrutiny from European allies.

Trump’s hardline position on Ukraine and his perceived closeness to Putin have fueled concerns among Western leaders, many of whom remain cautious about the direction of US engagement in the conflict.

The discussions between Trump and Putin are expected to touch upon land disputes and control over key power infrastructure in Ukraine. 

According to Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, negotiations have been progressing behind the scenes, with a recent visit to Moscow aimed at advancing the dialogue.

On Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin had entrusted Witkoff with key messages to relay to Trump. Peskov also noted a sense of “cautious optimism” within Moscow regarding the possibility of a ceasefire agreement.

Last week, Saudi Arabia hosted peace negotiations in which Ukraine agreed to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire. However, Putin rejected the proposal, citing unresolved issues that require further discussion.