CBS News
PITTSBURGH, PA (PTTP) – On Tuesday, March 18, United States President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin of Russia had a two-hour long phone call – the longest call between the two leaders in years. While on the phone, they discussed the fighting in Ukraine, the two countries and their future relationship, peace in the Middle East, and global security.
While both the US and Russia talked about looking for peace in Ukraine, Putin’s demands have been making it difficult to reach.
Putin accepted a halt on strikes on energy infrastructure, but denied Trump’s 30-day ceasefire request. Kyiv accepted Trump’s ceasefire offer after multiple setbacks while fighting. Russia is still standing firm on the battlefield. This could lead to Ukraine losing any lead or advance into Russia that they might’ve had.
The two spoke about how the Middle East’s region could be used to help prevent future conflicts. Putin shifted the call away to other global issues which helped gain Trump’s interest. They proceeded to vocalize about the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons, and have plans to engage with others to make this possible.
U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff, had recently just traveled to Moscow to meet with Putin, talked nothing but high encouragement of the two leaders.