Putin and Trump will talk today without restrictions: Kremlin reveals details of call
18 March 11:45
Today, March 18, an important event will take place in the international arena – telephone talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. This was officially announced by the press secretary of the Russian president Dmitry Peskov, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The conversation is scheduled for the period from 16:00 to 18:00 Moscow time and will be the second conversation between the leaders after Trump took office. The main topic of the talks will be the settlement of Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as the further normalization of bilateral relations between Russia and the United States.
Time and format of the talks between Putin and Trump
According to Dmitry Peskov, the duration of the conversation is not limited – the presidents will talk as long as they see fit. The exact format for announcing the results has not yet been determined, but the Kremlin promises to promptly inform the public about the outcome of the conversation.
At the same time, Peskov clarified that Vladimir Putin is not scheduled to give a speech following the talks.
“It will be from 16:00 to 18:00 Moscow time. They will talk as much as they deem necessary,” the Kremlin spokesman said, answering journalists’ questions.
Main topics of conversation between Trump and Putin
The key issue to be discussed by Putin and Trump will be the settlement of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The American leader has previously expressed confidence that after the talks, Moscow will agree to a 30-day ceasefire. In addition, Trump plans to raise the issue of territorial settlement and control over nuclear power plants, which could be an important step towards de-escalating the situation.
Peskov emphasized that the talks are a continuation of the dialog that has already taken place. In particular, he recalled the first telephone conversation between the presidents, as well as the discussions that took place in Moscow and Istanbul. According to him, the parties have already reached a certain understanding, but there are still many issues that need to be further worked out.
The Kremlin announces the resumption of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia
The Kremlin dictator’s spokesman emphasized that Russia and the United States are on the way to restoring bilateral relations. This phone conversation is an important step in resuscitating the dialog at various levels.
It is worth noting that this discussion takes place against the backdrop of escalating hostilities, diplomatic maneuvering, and growing international pressure.
While Ukraine is potentially ready to accept the proposed ceasefire, Russia has yet to confirm its position, making the upcoming phone call between the two politicians a crucial test of Moscow’s willingness to engage in negotiations. The US administration sees this potential ceasefire as a stepping stone to broader peace talks, although significant obstacles remain.
Trump’s view: Ceasefire as a diplomatic opportunity
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump shared his vision for the upcoming discussion. He called the 30-day ceasefire an opportunity to test Russia’s commitment to de-escalation, emphasizing that the United States is open to dialogue but will not compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“We want to see if we can end this war. Maybe we can, maybe we can’t, but I think we have a very good chance,” Trump said.
Political analysts who follow the situation believe that these words of the American president mark a change in tone from previous policy, when the Trump administration briefly suspended military aid to push Ukraine to direct negotiations. However, the recent intensification of Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure has prompted Washington to renew its commitment to support Kyiv militarily while seeking diplomatic solutions.
Putin’s position: “Cautious engagement” or tactical delay?
While the Kremlin has not publicly rejected the ceasefire proposal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that he has more important issues to address before Moscow considers a cessation of hostilities. It is worth noting that even some Russian officials view the ceasefire as a tactical pause rather than a step toward a lasting settlement.
The main points of contention between the United States and Russia:
- Territorial control. Moscow insists on formal recognition of the regions it occupies, while Ukraine strongly rejects this demand.
- Security guarantees. Russia wants guarantees that NATO will not expand further east.
- Sanctions relief. The Kremlin wants economic restrictions to be eased as part of any broader peace agreement.
Analysts believe that Russia’s hesitation on the ceasefire may be related to the ongoing military offensives, and Putin may be waiting to see if further territorial gains can strengthen Moscow’s negotiating position.
Potential benefits of a ceasefire
If an agreement is reached, the 30-day ceasefire could facilitate important humanitarian efforts, including
- Prisoner exchange. An opportunity for both sides to exchange captured soldiers.
- The return of deported Ukrainian children. Addressing one of the most controversial war crimes charges against Russia.
- Restoration of infrastructure. A temporary easing of shelling may allow Ukraine to restore damaged energy and transportation networks.
The US is currently considering a possible 30-day ceasefire as a confidence-building measure that could potentially lay the groundwork for more comprehensive peace talks in the future.
Should we expect Trump-Putin talks in Saudi Arabia?
In addition to the March 18 phone call, there are discussions about the possibility of a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin in Saudi Arabia. Although the date has not yet been determined, sources suggest that such a high-level diplomatic meeting could determine the trajectory of US-Russian relations for the entire period of Donald Trump’s presidency.
Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a neutral mediator to facilitate discussions on potential peace agreements. If the ceasefire talks progress, a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin could begin to discuss long-term security guarantees and economic arrangements.
What are the challenges in the context of possible negotiations with the Kremlin in the near future?
NATO’s position. European allies remain skeptical of any agreement that jeopardizes Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Opposition in Congress. U.S. lawmakers, especially hawks in the Senate, oppose any deal that could be seen as appeasing Putin.
Russia’s true intentions. Skeptics argue that Moscow could be using diplomacy as a stalling tactic to regroup militarily.
Despite this uncertainty, Donald Trump remains committed to testing diplomatic relations with Russia.
As the world watches, the conversation between the US and Russian presidents on March 18 will provide key insights into the Kremlin’s strategic calculations, Trump’s diplomatic priorities, and the future of Ukraine.
