Trump Focuses on Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire, Continues Talks with Putin and Zelensky | WPN World People News

Donald Trump officially spoke with Vladimir Putin on March 18 to discuss a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Putin rejected a full 30-day ceasefire, agreeing only to a prisoner exchange and a one-month suspension of attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Further negotiations are required for a permanent ceasefire. In a statement after the call, Russia added additional conditions to the ceasefire agreement, including that Ukraine must agree to limit military mobilization and halt the rearmament process. According to Russia's *Kommersant* newspaper, Putin also demanded that Trump formally recognize Russia's control over four Ukrainian regions and Crimea as Russian territory.

However, just hours after Trump's call with Putin, Russian forces continued airstrikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in the eastern region, raising doubts about Putin's reliability. Throughout the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia, facing sanctions from Western nations, successfully transitioned its economy to a wartime model and shifted its trade focus to countries like China and India. With the conflict still in Russia's favor, Putin has shown little urgency in negotiating. While Trump has suggested considering pressure on Russia, his approach remains focused on maintaining friendly relations, pending further assessment of the situation.

On March 19, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described the conversation as very "positive," "frank," and "productive." The two agreed on a limited ceasefire regarding energy facilities, and Ukraine also requested more air defense systems from the U.S. Trump agreed to help find available resources. Zelensky stated on social media platform X, "We believe that together with the United States and President Trump, under the leadership of the United States, lasting peace can be achieved within this year."

For Ukraine and Europe's power grid, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, controlled by Russia, is of critical importance. Trump also suggested that the U.S. could take over the ownership and operation of the plant, which would allow the U.S. to ensure its safety. Zelensky noted that it could take up to two years to resume operations at the plant.