When can Ukraine expect a ceasefire: Trump’s plans revealed
19 March 07:52
On Sunday, March 23, the United States and Russia are to hold talks on a ceasefire in Ukraine. However, it is not a complete cessation of hostilities, but a possible limitation of strikes on energy and critical infrastructure. Trump’s special representative for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said this in an interview with Fox News, Komersant ukrainskyi reports
What is known about the talks on March 23
The meeting will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which is not the first time it has become a platform for international discussions on the war in Ukraine.
According to Witkoff, the key topic of the meeting will be the cessation of strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure.
“The devil is in the details,” he said, emphasizing that the American delegation, headed by National Security Advisor Mike Volz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to work out the terms of the agreement in detail.
“We have a team that will be going to Saudi Arabia, led by our National Security Advisor (Mike Volz) and our Secretary of State (Marco Rubio), and I think we have to figure out those details,” said Vitkoff.
The talks will not be limited to energy, as the pause will cover broader infrastructure, which could give Ukraine a respite from devastating attacks.
US position and Russian uncertainty
Steve Witkoff emphasized the importance of a positive outcome: “We’re going to have a thorough conversation to make progress.”
At the same time, he admitted that some aspects of the agreement still need to be clarified.
The American side is optimistic, but as of March 19, 2025, Russia has not officially confirmed its participation in the negotiations. This leaves open the question of whether the parties will be able to reach an agreement next Sunday.
Will Ukraine be at the table?
It is not yet known whether Ukraine’s representatives will be invited to Jeddah. Kyiv’s absence could complicate the implementation of the agreements, as Ukraine is the one that is suffering the direct consequences of the war. Witkoff only expressed hope for the Ukrainians’ consent, but without specifics it sounds like a wish, not a guarantee.
“I certainly hope that Ukrainians will agree to this. We certainly have some details to discuss, but it will start on Sunday in Jeddah and we will have a good conversation to achieve positive results,” he said.
It is unclear whether Ukraine is planning to attend these talks. In addition, as of the morning of March 19, there was no confirmation from the Russian side regarding the meeting.
Russia-US talks on March 18: what is known about them
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation about the ceasefire in Ukraine and US-Russian relations on Tuesday, March 18.
In a conversation that lasted more than an hour, the two leaders discussed a number of important geopolitical issues, focusing primarily on the war in Ukraine and the possibility of a negotiated ceasefire. The phone call marked an important moment in the diplomatic effort, as it was the first direct communication between the two leaders since Trump’s return to the US presidency.
