Donald Trump states that Russia 'will agree' to 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin (Archive photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump believes that during talks with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, the Russian side will agree to a temporary ceasefire with Ukraine, according to C-SPAN and Reuters.
Speaking to the media, the US leader assessed Russia's willingness to agree to a 30-day truce, which had been previously coordinated with official Kyiv during negotiations between Ukrainian and US delegations in Jeddah.
Trump expressed confidence that Moscow would not reject the proposal.
The US president said that they would agree.
Earlier, Trump stated that his March 18 talks with Putin would address possible territorial concessions by Kyiv and the issue of control over the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
“What's happening in Ukraine is not good, but we're going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace, and I think we'll be able to do it,” the US president told reporters in Washington.
Trump also suggested that his decision to freeze military aid to Ukraine in early March and the controversial Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28 “helped convince” Kyiv.
Trump plans to hold talks with Putin on a ceasefire in Ukraine
US President Donald Trump announced yesterday that he plans to hold talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on March 18. He outlined the main topics of the discussion, which will include territorial issues and power plants.
Later, Trump clarified that the talks with Putin would take place on the morning of March 18, Washington time - likely midday Wednesday in Kyiv, given the time difference.
The discussion is part of Trump's push for a potential 30-day ceasefire as part of efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Recently, Ukrainian and US delegations met in Saudi Arabia, where the American side proposed a comprehensive 30-day truce with Russia. Ukraine agreed to the idea but cautioned that Moscow might violate the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the Russian side has yet to provide a clear response on whether it is ready for such a ceasefire. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has mentioned certain conditions under which it could take place.
European leaders have also expressed doubts that Russia would adhere to a ceasefire agreement.
On March 17, the White House stated that Trump is prepared to impose sanctions on Russia if his talks with Putin are not successful.
