Russia signals willingness for a short-term ceasefire if framework for a final peace agreement is established; Trump warns of more sanctions.
March 8, 2025: Putin Open to Ukraine Truce Talks—But With Conditions, as Trump Pushes for Peace Deal
Moscow signals willingness for a temporary ceasefire if negotiations on a final peace agreement move forward.
Washington/Moscow: Russian officials have conveyed their willingness to discuss a short-term truce in Ukraine, but only if progress is made toward a final peace settlement, sources familiar with the talks revealed.
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This conditional offer from the Kremlin comes amid mounting diplomatic pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has reversed years of U.S. support for Ukraine and is actively pushing for an agreement to end Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.
Trump’s Push for Peace and Threat of Sanctions
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump indicated frustration with Ukraine’s stance, stating:
“We’re doing very well with Russia. I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine.”
At the same time, Trump warned of imposing additional sanctions and tariffs on Russia if it does not move forward with peace talks. However, it remains unclear what new restrictions the U.S. could impose, given that Russia is already under heavy Western sanctions.
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Russia’s Conditions for a Truce
According to sources, Russia’s willingness to agree to a ceasefire depends on clear negotiations for a long-term peace deal. Moscow is particularly insisting on key parameters for an international peacekeeping mission, including which countries would be involved.
Putin’s Position
While Trump has pushed for an immediate truce, Putin has repeatedly brushed off calls for a rushed peace settlement, stating:
“We don’t need a truce—we need peace: long-term, durable, with guarantees for the Russian Federation and its citizens.”
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The Kremlin also rejected a Franco-British proposal for a one-month truce that included halting air and maritime attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
U.S. Policy Shift: From Supporting Ukraine to Courting Russia
Since taking office on January 20, 2025, Trump has drastically shifted U.S. policy regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, with several key moves:
- Halting U.S. military aid to Ukraine after a February 28 White House confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Suspending intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, alarming European allies.
- Abandoning U.S. support for Ukraine’s NATO membership bid.
- Considering lifting some sanctions imposed on Russia after its 2022 invasion.
The Trump administration is set to hold talks with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, seeking a framework for a ceasefire and a long-term settlement.
Tensions Between Trump and Ukraine
Trump’s shift in stance has raised fears in Kyiv and Europe that he may pressure Ukraine into accepting terms that favor Moscow.
Following Russia’s massive overnight missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, Zelensky insisted that the Kremlin “must be forced into peace.”
Despite recent tensions, Zelensky’s administration is attempting to rebuild ties with Washington, stating:
“Today, the most intensive work with President Trump’s team has been going on at various levels. Ukraine is very constructive.”
What’s Next?
- The U.S. Treasury Department faces a key decision next week—whether to extend or let expire a general license allowing transactions for Russian energy products.
- If the exemption is lifted, it could ramp up economic pressure on Russia and test Trump’s stance on Russia-related sanctions.
- Ukraine and U.S. officials will meet in Saudi Arabia on March 12 for further discussions.
With Russia still escalating its attacks and Trump navigating a delicate diplomatic path, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the fate of the Ukraine conflict.
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#UkraineWar, #RussiaUkraine, #VladimirPutin, #DonaldTrump, #UkraineTruce, #Sanctions, #Geopolitics, #NATO, #Zelensky, #RussiaSanctions