US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a ceasefire with Ukraine. According to reports, the phone call is still underway.
Dan Scavino, Assistant to the President & White House Deputy Chief of Staff, in a post of X, stated, "Happening Now—President Trump is currently in the Oval Office speaking with President Vladimir Putin of Russia since 10:00amEDT. The call is going well, and still in progress."
Happening Now—President Trump is currently in the Oval Office speaking with President Vladimir Putin of Russia since 10:00amEDT. The call is going well, and still in progress.
— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) March 18, 2025
Negotiations continue as global attention focuses on the Ukraine conflict. Washington remains optimistic about persuading Moscow to accept a ceasefire and bring the three-year war to an end, potentially restoring peace to the region.
Ukraine has already accepted a United States proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in what has become Europe's largest military conflict since World War II. The ongoing war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties, forced millions from their homes, and left numerous towns destroyed.
Russia's President Putin expressed conditional support for Washington's 30-day truce proposal last week, stating that while he backs the idea in principle, Russian forces will continue military operations until several key conditions are resolved.
The Tuesday call follows Ukrainian officials' acceptance of the American proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia last week, which were headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Despite this diplomatic progress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains doubtful about Putin's genuine commitment to peace, particularly as Russian forces continue their attacks on Ukraine.