Trump is on the phone with Putin: Attempted Peace in the Ukraine conflict!

Trump is on the phone with Putin: Attempted Peace in the Ukraine conflict!

Vienna, Österreich - President Donald Trump plans a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, March 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. (4 p.m. CEST). The conversation, which has already been confirmed by the Kremlin, should also be about important trade questions in addition to the ongoing Russian attack war against Ukraine. Trump pursues the goal of ending the conflict that has been going on for more than three years, in which Ukraine defends itself with Western support against the invasion of Russia.

Trump already made two phone calls with Putin in his term in January 2025, one in February and one in March. This represents a striking difference to political relationships during the term of office of his predecessor Joe Biden, in which radio silence between Washington and Moscow ruled. Despite the reduced military aid of the US government on Kyiv, the situation remains tense.

The background of the conflict

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began after the Maidan Revolution in 2014 when Russia annexed the Crimea, which is considered internationally contrary to international law. Afterwards Prorussian separatists called the People's Republic of Donetsk and the People's Republic of Luhansk, which led to a continuing military discussion. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba demands NATO not to make concessions to Moscow, while Ukraine accuses Russia of using regular armed forces in the east of the country. According to the UN estimates, over 14,000 people have been killed in this conflict since 2014.

NATO has repeatedly criticized the stationed Russian troops on the border with Ukraine, which according to western estimates include around 100,000 soldiers. Representatives of NATO call for the withdrawal of these troops, while Russia perceives NATO presence in Eastern Europe as a threat and strives for a safety agreement that limits NATO troops in the region. Vladimir Putin rejected the concerns regarding a Russian invasion as unfounded and emphasizes that Russia does not intend to intervene in Ukraine.

Current developments and international reactions

The consultations about the security situation in Eastern Europe have started, but both sides remained in their positions. Russia calls for compromises from the United States, while the Kremlin makes it clear that it will not move away from his demands, especially with regard to NATO expansion. These controversy reflect the deep tensions that have grown between NATO and Russia in the past 14 years. Although NATO leaves open that accession candidates are welcome as long as there are no unresolved conflicts, Russia considers a NATO accession to the Ukraine as a "red line".

Trump plans to have talks with the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj and representatives of the NATO member states after his phone call with Putin. The international community is eagerly looking at these developments that could influence future stability in the region.