In a cordial but not chatty phone call on March 18, Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the fate of thousands of soldiers and civilians in Ukraine and Russia. The US commander-in-chief has persuaded Moscow’s strongman that working toward a ceasefire and eventually a lasting peace in Ukraine is his best option. Trump’s intent is unambiguous, as he declared in a Truth Social post: “Thousands of young soldiers, and others, are being killed. Each week brings 2,500 soldier deaths, from both sides, and it must end NOW.”
Despite the initial optimism following the call, until agreements are finalized, the ceasefire process remains very much in flux. Russia launched a series of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine just hours later, striking civilian targets, suggesting that there is still a long way to go. The contrast between diplomatic rhetoric and military action underscores the complexity of achieving lasting peace in the region.
Ceasefire Within Reach
There was already optimism prior to the call. “White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday [March 17] indicated that Russia and Ukraine were on the ‘10th yard line’ of a negotiated settlement to the three-year conflict,” Just the News reported.
The conversation was nearly three hours long and did not disappoint. “Both of the leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace,” said the White House readout of the discussion. One key passage in the description of the exchange laid the groundwork for a substantive agreement:
“The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people … The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.”
Comments from the two participants after the call added color to the proceedings. In a Truth Social post, the US chief executive said, “My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one … 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.” He closed with an aspirational comment: “The process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully for the sake of humanity, get the job done.”
The perspective from the other side was perhaps more revealing. Moscow said Putin is in favor of pausing attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure, and beginning on “March 19, Russia and Ukraine will exchange 175 prisoners of war, and 23 seriously injured Ukrainian soldiers being treated in Russia will be transferred,” the BBC reported. Additionally, “Negotiations concerning the safety of shipping in the Black Sea will begin.” Addressing one of Moscow’s top concerns, “The Kremlin demands no more mobilization or rearmament from Ukraine during the 30-day ceasefire.”
However, the war was not the only subject covered in the conversation. The White House release said the presidents “spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts. They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application.” But perhaps the most significant note struck in the White House statement is, “The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel.” Putin does not believe Iran having nuclear weapons is a good idea; this was not good news for the mullahs, regardless of the relationship between Tehran and Moscow.
China Not Part of the Conversations
The two presidents mentioning the Middle East may indicate a speed bump for China's future in the region. Russia is involved significantly in Libya and seems to be interested in maintaining a major presence in Syria. Having a common cause between the United States and Russia in that area could help dilute tensions before they become crises and would be a significant accomplishment for the Trump administration.
As NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte observed during his meeting with Trump, “And finally, Ukraine — you broke the deadlock … The fact that you did that, that you started the dialogue with the Russians and the successful talks in Saudi Arabia now with the Ukrainians — I really want to commend you for this.” The momentum for a lasting peace has begun; keeping it going and achieving success will be the challenge.
The views expressed are those of the author and not of any other affiliate.
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