March 17 Russia-Ukraine War Update: Trump to Speak with Putin on Peace Talks
Trump’s upcoming call with Putin aims to discuss peace negotiations as Ukraine sets clear terms for ending the war. The Kremlin has not responded yet, though Putin expresses conditional support for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, the U.K. and France plan to send peacekeepers to Ukraine once a ceasefire is achieved, indicating a commitment to securing Ukraine’s future amid ongoing conflict.
As of March 17, the situation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains dynamic. President Donald Trump announced a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss avenues for peace, emphasizing that significant discussions have already taken place. Trump indicated that the goal is to explore a potential resolution to the war. The call follows prior diplomatic engagements, including a meeting with a U.S. envoy and Ukraine’s proposal for a ceasefire.
While the Kremlin has not officially responded to Trump’s announcement, Putin has noted his agreement in principle to a ceasefire, although he insists it must lead to a permanent resolution. His aide suggested a lack of interest in temporary truces, favoring lasting peace discussions instead, thereby highlighting Moscow’s stance on seeking long-term solutions.
Ukraine’s government has outlined specific conditions for peace negotiations. Key demands include no further territorial concessions, the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, the repatriation of illegally held civilians, and security guarantees against Russian violations. Ukrainian President Volodyr Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine will not recognize any occupied territories as Russian, marking this position as a critical red line in negotiations.
In addition to civilian concerns, the issue of abducted children remains crucial as reports indicate that approximately 20,000 Ukrainian children have been taken to Russian-controlled areas, where they are allegedly subjected to indoctrination. The situation for detainees, including tortured civilians, is similarly dire; exact numbers remain unclear but are in the thousands according to human rights organizations.
Furthermore, the U.K. and France have committed to sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine following a ceasefire. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated preparations for military cooperation, and French President Emmanuel Macron underscored that deployment decisions lie with Kyiv, not Moscow. Both countries aim to support Ukraine’s long-term security while assisting its military strength.
In summary, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict sees critical developments as Trump engages in discussions with Putin. Ukraine calls for strict terms for peace, stressing the return of children and rejecting territorial concessions. With continued commitments from the U.K. and France to deploy peacekeepers post-ceasefire, international efforts are focused on establishing a framework for enduring peace. The evolving situation necessitates close monitoring as diplomatic negotiations unfold.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
