Putin's insistence on a complete cessation of outside support for Ukraine signals a continued assertiveness that raises questions about the future of the war.
**Putin Remains Firm on Ukraine Stance in Latest Trump Call**
**Putin Remains Firm on Ukraine Stance in Latest Trump Call**
After a recent phone conversation with President Trump, President Putin maintains his uncompromising position regarding the Ukraine conflict.
By Paul Sonne, Reporting from Berlin
March 19, 2025, 6:35 a.m. ET
In the aftermath of a recent call with President Trump, the Kremlin's summary made it abundantly clear that President Vladimir V. Putin remains steadfast in his stance on Ukraine. While some aspects of the call were framed as concessions, it was evident that Putin's core demands had not wavered.
Among the points highlighted in the call were agreements for a limited 30-day pause on energy infrastructure attacks from both sides, discussions on prisoner exchanges, and dialogue surrounding security in the Black Sea—issues that Russia has consistently sought to address in ongoing conflicts. The framework for avoiding strikes on energy infrastructure was already established in a prior tacit agreement, and any prisoner exchanges are regarded by the Kremlin as essential for national interests.
Putin’s unwavering demands for Ukraine included reiterating a comprehensive cease-fire, which he knows will likely not be acceptable to Kyiv. The Kremlin claimed that Ukraine has previously violated agreements and accused them of committing "barbaric terrorist crimes" in the Kursk region. Notably, Putin emphasized a fundamental condition: the complete cessation of all external military and intelligence backing for Ukraine. If realized, such a scenario would leave Ukraine significantly disadvantaged, potentially rendering it perpetually subordinate to Russian military might.
The state of the battlefield remains in Russia's favor, with its forces regaining territory and asserting strategic advantages. This ongoing conflict poses a significant impasse, leaving key questions about Ukraine’s future and its capacity to navigate this turbulent geopolitical landscape.
March 19, 2025, 6:35 a.m. ET
In the aftermath of a recent call with President Trump, the Kremlin's summary made it abundantly clear that President Vladimir V. Putin remains steadfast in his stance on Ukraine. While some aspects of the call were framed as concessions, it was evident that Putin's core demands had not wavered.
Among the points highlighted in the call were agreements for a limited 30-day pause on energy infrastructure attacks from both sides, discussions on prisoner exchanges, and dialogue surrounding security in the Black Sea—issues that Russia has consistently sought to address in ongoing conflicts. The framework for avoiding strikes on energy infrastructure was already established in a prior tacit agreement, and any prisoner exchanges are regarded by the Kremlin as essential for national interests.
Putin’s unwavering demands for Ukraine included reiterating a comprehensive cease-fire, which he knows will likely not be acceptable to Kyiv. The Kremlin claimed that Ukraine has previously violated agreements and accused them of committing "barbaric terrorist crimes" in the Kursk region. Notably, Putin emphasized a fundamental condition: the complete cessation of all external military and intelligence backing for Ukraine. If realized, such a scenario would leave Ukraine significantly disadvantaged, potentially rendering it perpetually subordinate to Russian military might.
The state of the battlefield remains in Russia's favor, with its forces regaining territory and asserting strategic advantages. This ongoing conflict poses a significant impasse, leaving key questions about Ukraine’s future and its capacity to navigate this turbulent geopolitical landscape.
