I had to write about this historic event based exclusively on updates from RT:
The much awaited phone call between Donald J Trump and Vladimir Putin was concluded on the afternoon of March 18th 2025. Much was expected of it and many in the West will be disappointed. First, it was agreed to have a 30 day partial ceasefire involving air attacks on infrastructure. The Ukrainians will breathe a sigh of relief at this. But I see it as a Russian concession to soften the blow that Trump must have felt at not getting more. It’s almost as if Putin is saying, mockingly, ‘I’ll give you a ceasefire - this is the one Zelensky wanted’.
According to RT at 17.28 GMT:
The Kremlin has reported that Putin and Trump had a detailed and candid exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine during their call. Putin informed Trump that Russia and Ukraine would conduct a prisoner exchange on Wednesday, based on a 175-for-175 formula.
He also responded constructively to Trump’s initiative on maritime security in the Black Sea, the Kremlin has confirmed.
Both leaders reportedly expressed a mutual interest in normalizing relations, recognizing their shared responsibility for global security and have agreed to maintain contacts.
Putin reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and expressed readiness to work with Washington on a sustainable and long-term settlement. As a goodwill gesture, Russia will transfer 23 severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers to Kiev.
The Trumpian monster bubble has just burst. His rather naive publicly expressed1 expectation that a ceasefire would be achieved exploded in his face. Poor man. This was Putin saying ‘we must first provide the basic framework for diplomatic engagement’ - and we are in no hurry. Trump wants to run while Putin is saying ‘you have to learn to walk first’ ‘You don’t have the cards Donald: we have the cards’. There will be no short term ceasefire to please the Ukrainian army - ‘so get real and don’t insult my intelligence’.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has stated on X that Trump and Putin discussed the need for “peace and a ceasefire” , agreeing the the conflict must end with a “lasting peace.” The peace initiative will begin with an “energy and infrastructure ceasefire” and negotiations on a maritime Black Sea truce. Talks will also focus on preventing future conflicts in the Middle East and averting the proliferation of strategic weapons. Leavitt added that Trump and Putin see an improved US-Russia relationship as having “huge upside,” including “enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability.”
Note the reference to the Middle East, where Trump is inflaming the situation, whereas Russia is focusing on conflict prevention. This sounds to me like a diplomatic masterclass.
This was very welcome after the tragedy in the Middle East. Best Wishes - Rob
I have no idea whether or not he really believes what he is saying.
The devil is in the details. Russia will not deviate from its initial goals: to de-militarise and de-nazify Ukraine.
Thanks so much. Dr. Rob, for your great and prompt reflection on the phone call. I have just read the news about the phone call on RT.com and your analysis is perfect. Trump is making a good effort to be friends with Russia and to hear what the root problems are. He seemed not to know much about them a while ago, but now he is learning, that is a good thing. And also it is great to see that Russia is firm about achieving its goals. Trump is doing good things at home, but he needs to change his Zionist attitude, if he wants to be come a world's peacemaker.