Mar. 18, 2025, 5:58 pm ET
President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin held a high-stakes call on Tuesday to discuss a potential 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Despite Trump’s efforts to secure a ceasefire and eventual peace agreement, Putin did not agree to a full ceasefire, and Russia launched a drone assault over Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities shortly after the call.
The call, which took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, focused on addressing the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Trump’s motivation for the ceasefire was to “stop the killing” and “for humanity,” as he stated in recent remarks. However, Russia has set out its own conditions for a ceasefire, including security guarantees, which Ukraine finds unacceptable.
During the call, Trump and Putin discussed various aspects of the conflict, including land, power plants, and the division of certain assets between Ukraine and Russia. The U.S. administration has also taken steps to pressure Russia, including potential financial measures, although Trump hopes they won’t be necessary.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that “Plan A is: Get the shooting to stop.” However, Ukrainian officials have expressed skepticism and caution regarding Putin’s intentions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Putin of obstructing peace and prolonging the war, while the Kremlin stated that Putin is “for” a ceasefire but with certain conditions.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began three years ago when Putin’s forces invaded Ukraine. Recent peace talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia resulted in Ukraine agreeing to a temporary stop to hostilities if Russia did the same. However, the outcome of the Trump-Putin call suggests that a lasting ceasefire remains elusive.
Over 100 people were hurt in recent attacks on Ukraine, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict. The ongoing violence has resulted in significant humanitarian issues, with many people killed and injured. Failure to achieve a ceasefire could lead to continued violence and humanitarian crises in Ukraine, with implications for NATO membership and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Ukrainian Skepticism and Russian Conditions
Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials remain skeptical about Putin’s intentions and cautious about the negotiations. The Kremlin’s insistence on specific terms and conditions for a ceasefire has complicated efforts to secure a lasting peace. Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that Russia’s demands for security guarantees could be a ploy to gain a strategic advantage in the conflict.
The Ukrainian government has also highlighted the need for international support in maintaining pressure on Russia to adhere to a ceasefire. The U.S. and other Western allies have been crucial in providing military aid and diplomatic support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
International Reactions and Future Steps
The international community has closely watched the developments in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with many countries expressing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The European Union and NATO have both condemned Russia’s actions and imposed economic sanctions on Russian entities and individuals involved in the conflict.
As the situation continues to evolve, the U.S. and its allies will need to maintain a united front in pressuring Russia to adhere to a ceasefire and work toward a lasting peace agreement. The outcome of the Trump-Putin call underscores the challenges ahead in resolving the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
