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Trump to Discuss Peace Proposal and Economic Assets with Putin Amid Ukraine Conflict

Trump to Discuss Peace Proposal and Economic Assets with Putin Amid Ukraine Conflict
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Jim Watson ,Emmanuel Dunand / AFP via Getty Images)
  • PublishedMarch 18, 2025

President Donald Trump has announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to discuss potential steps toward ending the war in Ukraine.

Trump, who has prioritized direct negotiations over traditional diplomatic channels, indicated that key topics in the discussion would include territorial agreements and power infrastructure.

Trump’s announcement follows his recent success in securing Ukraine’s acceptance of a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, shifting the focus to whether Russia will agree to halt hostilities. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming talks.

“We’re doing pretty well, I think, with Russia,” he said. “We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can, maybe we can’t, but I think we have a very good chance.”

Trump also revealed that negotiators had already begun working through significant issues.

“We’ll be talking about land… We’ll be talking about power plants—that’s a big question,” he added.

While Trump remains hopeful about brokering peace, analysts note that Putin faces competing pressures. Domestically, Russian nationalist factions advocate for continued military operations, while a growing segment of the population supports a negotiated settlement. Additionally, international actors such as China have reportedly encouraged Russia to consider peace efforts.

However, complications persist. The European Union and NATO allies remain skeptical of any agreements that would involve territorial concessions, arguing that rewarding Russian aggression could set a dangerous precedent.

For Ukraine, land concessions remain a contentious issue. While some US officials have suggested that Ukraine may need to cede certain areas to secure peace, President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently rejected the idea, asserting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The mention of power plants as part of the discussions suggests a broader economic component to the negotiations. Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been severely impacted by the conflict, and any agreements on resource control could shape the country’s post-war recovery.

Despite skepticism from some European allies, Trump’s diplomatic approach could pave the way for a resolution that prioritizes stability and economic cooperation. His direct engagement with Putin reflects his belief that strong leadership and negotiation can achieve what traditional diplomatic frameworks have struggled to deliver.

Meetings between American, Ukrainian, and Russian negotiators are expected to continue this week, with US officials traveling to Russia for further discussions.

With input from Al Jazeera, CNN, and FOX News.