Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are intensifying as former U.S. President Donald Trump announces a crucial upcoming call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. As Kyiv sets firm conditions for peace, the U.K. and France have pledged to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine after a potential ceasefire.
Trump’s Anticipated Talks With Putin
Trump confirmed on Sunday night that he will speak with Putin on Tuesday, a conversation he believes could be pivotal in ending the ongoing war. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, “I’ll be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday. 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.
The former president hinted that key discussion points will include territorial disputes and power plant control. He also suggested that significant groundwork has already been laid by both Russian and Ukrainian negotiators. His call with Putin follows a March 13 meeting between Russian officials and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, though Moscow later clarified that Witkoff was not an official mediator.
How Has Putin Responded?
While the Kremlin has yet to officially comment on Trump’s announcement, Putin has expressed conditional openness to a ceasefire. He acknowledged the U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire proposal but emphasized the need for a permanent resolution that addresses deeper causes of the conflict. However, Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, dismissed the temporary truce, stating that Moscow seeks a lasting agreement.
Ukraine’s Non-Negotiable Conditions for Peace
As peace talks progress, Kyiv has established firm “red lines” that must be met before agreeing to any deal:
- No further territorial concessions to Russia.
- The return of approximately 20,000 Ukrainian children abducted by Russian authorities.
- The release of thousands of Ukrainian civilians unlawfully detained by Russia.
- International security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.
A senior Ukrainian official stated, “We are willing to make peace, but it must be a long-lasting peace. We will not hand over more land, and Putin must demonstrate genuine commitment.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed this stance, asserting, “Ukraine will not recognize any occupied territories as Russian.
Ukraine’s demand for the return of abducted children stems from allegations that Russia has forcibly relocated them to erase their national identity. Reports indicate that many have been placed in Russian foster care or indoctrination programs. Additionally, Amnesty International has documented widespread Russian detentions of Ukrainian civilians, with many subjected to torture and incommunicado confinement.
France and U.K. Pledge Troops for Post-Ceasefire Stability
The U.K. and France have committed to deploying peacekeeping forces to Ukraine if a ceasefire is achieved. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that Western allies are preparing robust security measures to support Ukraine, stating, *“
