Trump and Putin to Discuss Ukraine War Settlement on Tuesday/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump will hold a high-stakes call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, signaling a potential turning point in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Trump, who has been critical of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggested that discussions would involve land and power plant divisions. The Kremlin confirmed the call, though details remain scarce. European allies remain wary of Trump’s approach toward Russia, especially as his tariff policies and economic moves continue to shake global markets.
Trump-Putin Ukraine Talks: Quick Looks
- Scheduled Call: Trump and Putin will discuss Ukraine on Tuesday, per U.S. and Russian officials.
- Territorial Negotiations: Trump hinted at discussions over land and power plants in occupied Ukraine.
- Russia’s Demands: Putin insists Ukraine withdraw from four annexed regions before any peace deal.
- European Concerns: Allies are wary of Trump’s affinity for Putin and tough stance on Zelenskyy.
- U.S. Policy Shift: Trump’s reorientation of foreign policy marks a departure from past U.S. support for Ukraine.
- Economic Disruptions: Trump confirmed new tariffs set for April 2, despite market volatility.
Trump and Putin Set for Ukraine Talks: High-Stakes Call Could Shape War’s Future
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to speak on Tuesday, marking a potential turning point in negotiations to end the Ukraine war. Trump revealed the upcoming call while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, while the Kremlin confirmed the discussion on Monday.
“We will see if we have something to announce maybe by Tuesday. I will be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday,” Trump said. “We want to see if we can bring that war to an end.”
While details of the discussion remain unclear, Trump hinted at a possible territorial settlement, stating that negotiations would involve land divisions and power plants—a move that could redefine U.S. policy on Ukraine’s sovereignty.
What’s at Stake in the Trump-Putin Call?
The Ukraine war has now entered its fourth year, with Russia still occupying significant parts of eastern and southern Ukraine.
In 2022, Russia illegally annexed four Ukrainian regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—but does not fully control any of them. Putin has demanded Ukraine withdraw from these regions as a condition for peace.
Trump’s mention of power plants likely refers to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest, which is under Russian control and has been a source of international concern due to ongoing military activity.
Europe on Edge Over Trump’s Approach
Trump’s relationship with Putin and criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have alarmed European allies, who fear a U.S. shift away from supporting Kyiv.
During Zelenskyy’s recent visit to the White House, Trump openly criticized his leadership, leading to speculation that the U.S. might push Ukraine toward a territorial concession rather than continued military aid.
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Moscow last week, further fueling speculation that the U.S. is redefining its stance on the war.
Kremlin’s Position: What Putin Wants
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the Tuesday call but refused to share details, saying:
“We never get ahead of events. The content of conversations between two presidents is not subject to prior discussion.”
Putin’s long-standing demands for a peace deal include:
- Ukraine’s withdrawal from occupied regions.
- Recognition of Russian control over annexed territories.
- A weakened NATO presence in Eastern Europe.
Ukraine, on the other hand, has consistently rejected any agreement that would cede land to Russia.
Trump’s Domestic Focus: Tariffs and Economic Policy
Beyond foreign policy, Trump doubled down on his economic agenda, confirming that his new round of tariffs will begin on April 2.
“April 2 is a liberating day for our country,” Trump declared. “We’re getting back some of the wealth that very, very foolish presidents gave away.”
Key Takeaways from Trump’s Tariff Plan:
- Reciprocal Tariffs: “They charge us, and we charge them,” Trump said.
- Sectors Targeted: Autos, steel, and aluminum will face additional tariffs.
- Market Uncertainty: Recent stock market disruptions have fueled concerns about economic stability.
What Happens Next?
- If Trump pushes Ukraine toward negotiations, it could strain relations with European allies.
- If Putin makes new demands, it could further complicate diplomatic efforts.
- Meanwhile, Trump’s tariff policies add another layer of uncertainty to the global economic landscape.
With Trump’s foreign and economic policies taking center stage, Tuesday’s call with Putin could be a defining moment in the next phase of the Ukraine conflict.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.