March 17 updates reveal that President Trump plans to speak with President Putin regarding peace talks, while Ukraine sets clear conditions for any agreement. Following a ceasefire, the U.K. and France pledge to send peacekeeping troops. Ukraine demands territorial integrity and the return of abducted civilians as key terms for peace negotiations.
On March 17, significant advancements were reported in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s scheduled call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This conversation seeks to explore potential terms for ending the ongoing conflict, with both countries expressing their respective red lines in the discussions, while the U.K. and France have pledged peacekeeping troops post-ceasefire.
Trump announced plans to speak with Putin on Tuesday, highlighting collaborative efforts over the weekend to conclude the war. During his remarks aboard Air Force One, the President noted, “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.” Moreover, he indicated topics of conversation would involve land and resource negotiations.
The Kremlin has remained silent regarding Trump’s announcement, with President Putin acknowledging the United States and Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal. While he theoretically supports a temporary truce, he stressed that any agreement must facilitate lasting peace and address the conflict’s underlying causes, as reiterated by his aide, Yuri Ushakov.
Ahead of ongoing negotiations, several unnamed high-ranking Ukrainian officials have outlined Kyiv’s stringent conditions for peace. Among these are territories remaining intact, repatriation of abducted Ukrainian children, return of unlawfully detained civilians, and guarantees of international security should Russia breach ceasefire terms. A senior official asserted, “We are really willing to make peace, but we need a long-lasting peace, not a short ceasefire.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed that no territorial concessions would be made, labeling the acknowledgment of occupied territories as a fundamental red line in potential agreements. Additionally, reports indicate that approximately 20,000 Ukrainian children have been unlawfully taken to Russia, prompting Kyiv to call for their swift return.
The United Kingdom and France have committed to deploying peacekeeping forces following a successful ceasefire agreement, as articulated by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In discussions with international leaders, Starmer noted, “Our militaries will meet… to put strong and robust plans in place to swing in behind a peace deal and guarantee Ukraine’s future security.” French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the decision to send troops ultimately rests with Ukraine, aiming to bolster ongoing support and defense training.
Both nations have consistently played pivotal roles in providing assistance to Ukraine amidst escalating Russian aggression. Following discussions on ceasefire arrangements, France recently convened a summit to brainstorm an international security force for Ukraine without U.S. participation.
For further updates on the developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, one may refer to Newsweek.
In summary, the peace dialogue between Russia and Ukraine is intensifying, with key players solidifying their positions. President Trump’s anticipated conversation with President Putin aims to explore potential resolutions to the war, while Ukraine firmly states its requirements for peace. The U.K. and France’s commitment to deploying troops underscores their support for Ukraine in these crucial negotiations. As the situation unfolds, the emphasis remains on achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
