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Putin, Trump set to hold their second phone conversation in two months
(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald trump are set to hold their second phone conversation in two months on Tuesday, with the potential for a ceasefire in Ukraine on the agenda. Scheduled for 1300 GMT, the call follows weeks of diplomatic efforts between Moscow, Washington, and Kiev, alongside engagement with European allies. Here’s what has changed since their last discussion on February 12:
A Shift Toward Diplomacy
Since taking office in January, Trump has moved away from the isolationist approach of his predecessor, Joe Biden, who sought to diplomatically sideline Russia over its involvement in Ukraine. Trump’s administration argues that constructive diplomacy—similar to Cold War-era US-Soviet relations—is essential for global stability.
Restoring US-Russia Dialogue
A breakthrough in diplomatic engagement came on February 18, when senior US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to reestablish communication. They agreed to restore the functions of their diplomatic missions, previously disrupted by sanctions and restrictions. A follow-up meeting in Türkiye furthered progress, with the US formally accepting Aleksandr Darchiev as Russia’s new ambassador to Washington.
Ukraine Under Pressure
Trump’s administration has signaled a shift in US policy by reducing unconditional support for Ukraine, urging Kiev to be open to compromise in peace talks. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky initially resisted this shift, clashing with Trump during a February 28 meeting at the White House. The dispute led to a temporary suspension of US aid and intelligence sharing. However, Ukraine has since softened its stance, dropping demands for Western security guarantees as a precondition for negotiations. Last week in Jeddah, Zelensky endorsed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
Battlefield Setbacks for Kiev
Ukraine’s position in negotiations has weakened following military losses in Russia’s Kursk Region. The offensive, launched in August 2024, was intended to seize Russian territory and strengthen Kiev’s bargaining power. However, with over 68,000 Ukrainian casualties and the loss of the strategic town of Sudzha, Kiev declared its objectives "achieved” and withdrew.
Ceasefire Talks and Russian Conditions
Putin has expressed conditional support for Trump’s proposed 30-day ceasefire but insists that Ukraine must not use the pause to regroup or reinforce its forces. Russia demands that any cessation of hostilities must include a halt in arms shipments and forced conscription in Ukraine.
Western European leaders and Ukrainian officials have accused Putin of opposing a ceasefire, urging Trump to counter with increased military aid and sanctions. Meanwhile, reports emerged that Putin made Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, "wait eight hours” for a meeting—claims Trump dismissed as "fake news."
With these developments shaping the geopolitical landscape, the outcome of the Trump-Putin call could significantly influence the path toward peace or further tensions in Ukraine.
A Shift Toward Diplomacy
Since taking office in January, Trump has moved away from the isolationist approach of his predecessor, Joe Biden, who sought to diplomatically sideline Russia over its involvement in Ukraine. Trump’s administration argues that constructive diplomacy—similar to Cold War-era US-Soviet relations—is essential for global stability.
Restoring US-Russia Dialogue
A breakthrough in diplomatic engagement came on February 18, when senior US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to reestablish communication. They agreed to restore the functions of their diplomatic missions, previously disrupted by sanctions and restrictions. A follow-up meeting in Türkiye furthered progress, with the US formally accepting Aleksandr Darchiev as Russia’s new ambassador to Washington.
Ukraine Under Pressure
Trump’s administration has signaled a shift in US policy by reducing unconditional support for Ukraine, urging Kiev to be open to compromise in peace talks. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky initially resisted this shift, clashing with Trump during a February 28 meeting at the White House. The dispute led to a temporary suspension of US aid and intelligence sharing. However, Ukraine has since softened its stance, dropping demands for Western security guarantees as a precondition for negotiations. Last week in Jeddah, Zelensky endorsed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
Battlefield Setbacks for Kiev
Ukraine’s position in negotiations has weakened following military losses in Russia’s Kursk Region. The offensive, launched in August 2024, was intended to seize Russian territory and strengthen Kiev’s bargaining power. However, with over 68,000 Ukrainian casualties and the loss of the strategic town of Sudzha, Kiev declared its objectives "achieved” and withdrew.
Ceasefire Talks and Russian Conditions
Putin has expressed conditional support for Trump’s proposed 30-day ceasefire but insists that Ukraine must not use the pause to regroup or reinforce its forces. Russia demands that any cessation of hostilities must include a halt in arms shipments and forced conscription in Ukraine.
Western European leaders and Ukrainian officials have accused Putin of opposing a ceasefire, urging Trump to counter with increased military aid and sanctions. Meanwhile, reports emerged that Putin made Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, "wait eight hours” for a meeting—claims Trump dismissed as "fake news."
With these developments shaping the geopolitical landscape, the outcome of the Trump-Putin call could significantly influence the path toward peace or further tensions in Ukraine.
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