Focus on the BIG picture.
Monday, Mar 17, 2025
Outside the box.
Trump and Putin to Discuss Potential Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
US envoy reports that discussions for a ceasefire in Ukraine will soon involve direct talks between President Trump and President Putin.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to hold discussions in the coming days regarding a proposed ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as confirmed by US envoy Steve Witkoff.
The envoy recently concluded a meeting with Putin in Moscow and communicated his anticipation of a call between the two leaders this week.
Witkoff indicated that the dialogue with Putin was characterized as positive and solution-oriented.
Recently, the US and Ukraine have put forth a joint proposal for an initial 30-day ceasefire to Russia.
Although Putin expressed conditional support for a ceasefire, he also outlined a series of stringent demands necessary for achieving peace.
Witkoff did not elaborate on the specific conditions but acknowledged that discussions involving both Russian and Ukrainian negotiators would occur in the upcoming week.
During the previous week, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated willingness to suspend discussions regarding territorial matters and security guarantees in order to facilitate the ceasefire initiative proposed by the US. Previously, Zelenskyy had stated that a ceasefire would only be viable with commitments for security assurances from Western partners.
However, Trump has maintained that the US would not offer any such guarantees.
In light of the recent escalations, Zelenskyy reported over 1,300 airstrikes and drone incursions by Russian forces across Ukraine within the last week, which he argues contradicts any genuine intentions for a swift resolution.
Concurrently, Ukraine has launched renewed drone operations targeting Russian territories.
As diplomatic engagements continue, Witkoff indicated that teams of US negotiators would engage with both Russian and Ukrainian officials to seek further alignment on ceasefire terms.
The ongoing negotiations involve both Ukraine and Russia, alongside input from European stakeholders, including France and the United Kingdom.
Although the Trump administration's approach has raised concerns regarding the perception of a favorable conclusion for Russia, US officials emphasize the complexities involved in the on-ground realities of the conflict.
In previous communications, Trump has expressed a commitment to resolving the conflict, highlighting his intention to initiate negotiations from day one should he regain the presidency.
Meanwhile, national security adviser Mike Waltz remarked on the challenges posed by the geopolitical landscape, suggesting that broader discussions on territorial issues and Ukraine’s status within NATO remain uncertain.
He qualified the prospects of complete territorial liberation of Ukraine as unlikely, reiterating the need for pragmatic diplomacy as part of ongoing efforts to navigate the situation.
The envoy recently concluded a meeting with Putin in Moscow and communicated his anticipation of a call between the two leaders this week.
Witkoff indicated that the dialogue with Putin was characterized as positive and solution-oriented.
Recently, the US and Ukraine have put forth a joint proposal for an initial 30-day ceasefire to Russia.
Although Putin expressed conditional support for a ceasefire, he also outlined a series of stringent demands necessary for achieving peace.
Witkoff did not elaborate on the specific conditions but acknowledged that discussions involving both Russian and Ukrainian negotiators would occur in the upcoming week.
During the previous week, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated willingness to suspend discussions regarding territorial matters and security guarantees in order to facilitate the ceasefire initiative proposed by the US. Previously, Zelenskyy had stated that a ceasefire would only be viable with commitments for security assurances from Western partners.
However, Trump has maintained that the US would not offer any such guarantees.
In light of the recent escalations, Zelenskyy reported over 1,300 airstrikes and drone incursions by Russian forces across Ukraine within the last week, which he argues contradicts any genuine intentions for a swift resolution.
Concurrently, Ukraine has launched renewed drone operations targeting Russian territories.
As diplomatic engagements continue, Witkoff indicated that teams of US negotiators would engage with both Russian and Ukrainian officials to seek further alignment on ceasefire terms.
The ongoing negotiations involve both Ukraine and Russia, alongside input from European stakeholders, including France and the United Kingdom.
Although the Trump administration's approach has raised concerns regarding the perception of a favorable conclusion for Russia, US officials emphasize the complexities involved in the on-ground realities of the conflict.
In previous communications, Trump has expressed a commitment to resolving the conflict, highlighting his intention to initiate negotiations from day one should he regain the presidency.
Meanwhile, national security adviser Mike Waltz remarked on the challenges posed by the geopolitical landscape, suggesting that broader discussions on territorial issues and Ukraine’s status within NATO remain uncertain.
He qualified the prospects of complete territorial liberation of Ukraine as unlikely, reiterating the need for pragmatic diplomacy as part of ongoing efforts to navigate the situation.
