Sun Mar 16 15:06:34 UTC 2025: **Trump and Putin to Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire Amidst International Pressure**

**Washington, D.C. – March 16, 2025** – U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to speak this week to discuss a proposed ceasefire in the ongoing three-year war in Ukraine. The call comes as the U.S., Ukraine, and European allies are pressing Moscow to accept a ceasefire proposal put forth by Washington following talks in Saudi Arabia. While Kyiv has accepted the proposal, Putin has expressed reservations, outlining several conditions and raising doubts about its viability.

Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about the upcoming call between the two presidents, suggesting a productive discussion. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov spoke about implementing agreements reached at a recent U.S.-Russia summit in Saudi Arabia, although the Russian foreign ministry made no mention of the proposed ceasefire. The State Department confirmed that the two discussed next steps regarding Ukraine and a continued effort to restore communication between the U.S. and Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Putin of stalling and prioritizing battlefield gains over peace talks. He also criticized Putin for rejecting the ceasefire proposal, alleging it contradicts Trump’s overtures towards Russia and suggesting Moscow is actively seeking ways to prolong the conflict. Further fueling tensions, Russia launched 90 Iranian-made drones on nine Ukrainian regions on Sunday, with one person killed in a drone strike on Izyum. Putin justified his reluctance to accept the ceasefire by stating it would primarily benefit Ukraine.

The proposed ceasefire follows recent Russian advances in some areas of the conflict, including the Kursk region. The phone call between Trump and Putin is anticipated to address Moscow’s concerns regarding the ceasefire initiative.

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