EDITORIAL | Stop Vladimir Putin from Calling the Shots in Ukraine

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United States President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18. During their conversation, Putin rejected a proposal for a full and immediate 30-day ceasefire as previously agreed upon by the US and Ukraine.

According to the Kremlin, Trump then proposed a 30-day moratorium on energy and infrastructure attacks by Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin said Putin accepted that proposal.

On March 19, Mr Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He also agreed during his meeting with Trump that Ukraine would halt its attacks on Russian energy facilities. Trump posted on social media that the effort to end the war was now "very much on track." Zelenskyy also expressed hope that thanks to US leadership, a lasting peace could be achieved by the end of 2025.

However, it is extremely regrettable that Putin rejected the proposal for a total ceasefire. Trump must nevertheless ensure that the just-concluded partial ceasefire agreement is a credible first step toward a just and lasting peace.

Next Steps Toward Peace

US and Ukrainian delegations held more meetings in Saudi Arabia on March 24 to discuss a ceasefire in the Black Sea and other issues. America and Russia also held high-level talks that day, but those negotiations were difficult. Trump is eager to realize his campaign promise of an early ceasefire. However, he must not end up being manipulated by the aggressor, Putin.

Differences have already surfaced on what kind of attacks must be stopped under the recent agreement. The US and Ukraine say the attacks on energy facilities and civilian infrastructure are covered. However, Russia says it only agreed to halt attacks on energy assets.

Russian forces have continued their attacks on Ukrainian hospitals and other civilian facilities. Meanwhile, Ukraine is now unable to strike back at oil facilities within Russia. Before the agreement, such strikes had constituted a huge headache for Moscow.

*Firefighters work at an apartment building that was hit by a Russian drone attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 23. (©Reuters via Kyodo)*

Prevent Russia from Controlling the Negotiations

As a consequence of Putin's interpretation, the partial ceasefire ended up being a big win for Russia. Putin allowed Trump to save face by halting attacks on energy facilities. However, he remains as committed as ever to his Ukraine invasion.

With Ukraine's weakened deterrence, the Russian military may now rush to completely retake the Kursk Oblast in western Russia. It was seized by the Ukrainian military in part as a bargaining chip. Russia will also likely launch another offensive in eastern Ukraine.

However, Russia is also in a tougher position than the impression it is giving. It is under severe stress both economically and in terms of its ability to continue fighting. If President Trump wants to achieve an internationally recognized peace, he will need to pressure Russia further in the negotiations.