The Big Talk everyone is Waiting For (will be updated throughout the day)
We already have different interpretations, ‘full statements’, and ‘full excerpts’ on this phone call. Keep your powder dry, and let’s wait a little more for the Kremlin’s formal and translated statement.
Kremlin Release – Summary:
The Kremlin has published a summary on the outcome of the call:
A phone conversation between Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump took place on March 18, 2025.
Reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, President Putin expressed readiness to work closely with American partners on a thorough and comprehensive settlement. He emphasized that any agreement must be sustainable and long-term, addressing the root causes of the crisis while considering Russia’s legitimate security interests.
Regarding President Trump’s initiative for a 30-day ceasefire, the Russian side highlighted key concerns, including effective monitoring of the ceasefire across the entire front line, halting forced mobilization in Ukraine, and stopping the rearmament of its military. Russia also noted serious risks due to Kiev’s history of undermining previous agreements and drew attention to terrorist attacks carried out by Ukrainian militants against civilians in the Kursk region.
It was emphasized that a crucial condition for preventing further escalation and working toward a political-diplomatic resolution is the complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
In response to Trump’s recent request to ensure the safety of Ukrainian troops encircled in Kursk Region, Putin confirmed that Russia is guided by humanitarian considerations. He assured his counterpart that Ukrainian soldiers who surrender will be granted safety and treated in accordance with Russian laws and international humanitarian norms.
During the conversation, Trump proposed a mutual agreement between both sides to refrain from striking energy infrastructure for 30 days. Putin welcomed the initiative and immediately instructed the Russian military to comply.
Putin also responded constructively to Trump’s proposal regarding maritime security in the Black Sea, and both leaders agreed to initiate negotiations to further refine the details of such an arrangement.
Putin informed Trump that on March 19, Russia and Ukraine would conduct a prisoner exchange involving 175 detainees from each side. Additionally, as a goodwill gesture, Russia will transfer 23 severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers who are currently receiving medical treatment in Russian hospitals.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continuing efforts toward resolving the Ukraine conflict bilaterally, incorporating the proposals discussed. To facilitate this, Russian and American expert groups will be established.
Putin and Trump also discussed broader international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. They agreed to coordinate efforts to stabilize crisis areas and enhance cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and global security, which, in turn, would improve the overall state of US-Russia relations. A positive example of such cooperation was their joint vote at the United Nations on a resolution regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Both leaders expressed mutual interest in normalizing bilateral relations, recognizing the shared responsibility of Russia and the United States in ensuring global security and stability. In this context, they explored various areas for potential cooperation, including discussions on mutually beneficial economic and energy partnerships.
Trump supported Putin’s idea of organizing hockey matches in the US and Russia between players from the NHL and KHL.
The presidents agreed to remain in contact on all discussed matters.
From Ria Novosti:
About Ukraine
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Putin and Trump continued a detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation around Ukraine;
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The Russian leader reaffirmed his principled commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict;
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Putin responded positively to the idea of mutual refusal of the parties to the conflict to strike at energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days:
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In this context, Russia pointed out the need to stop forced mobilization in Ukraine and rearm the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
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The Presidents drew attention to the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against civilians in the Kursk region:
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As a gesture of goodwill, Moscow will hand over to Kiev 23 seriously wounded soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who are being treated in Russia.;
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On March 19, the Russian and Ukrainian sides will exchange prisoners according to the “175 for 175” formula;
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Moscow and Washington have agreed to set up expert groups to work on reaching a Ukrainian settlement.
On bilateral relations and the international situation
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Putin and Trump discussed a number of ideas for developing mutually beneficial economic and energy cooperation in the future;
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The leaders discussed a number of international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region:
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The Russian President responded constructively to the idea expressed by his American counterpart of implementing the initiative on the safety of navigation in the Black Sea;
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Putin and Trump agreed that Iran should never be in a position where it can destroy Israel.
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Trump and Putin phone call ends after more than hour and half of talks — NBC
Trump is now expected to address the press with details.
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Call is on!
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BACKGROUND
We may as well start. As was said in Daily Chronicles yesterday, Russia was quiet, while the White House, the EU and certain people like Boris Johnson was pouring out words of no value.
President Putin cool as a cucumber and full of the joys of life, opened with a warm-up, a shorter than usual speech at the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) in Moscow and telling a few home truths on sanctions and doing business in Russia.
The main take-aways, and as always, the formal transcript will be posted when available:
Waiting .. waiting …
-Western sanctions are not a temporary measure but rather a tool for applying strategic pressure on Russia. “Sanctions are not temporary or targeted measures; they are a mechanism of systemic, strategic pressure on our country.”
-The country’s rivals will always seek to weaken it.
-A total of 28,595 sanctions have been imposed against Russian companies and individuals in recent years, more than all other restrictions against other countries combined.
.The West does not intend to hold back, threatening new sanctions and “churning out these packages one after another.”
-Even if sanctions against the country are eased, the West will find another way to “throw a wrench in the works.”
-Many European countries have lost their sovereignty and they’re facing serious problems in economy and security — Putin
-Russia remains open, so businesses that left the country can return, but their behavior must be responsible. Returning businesses must think twice before ‘buying back for cheap’ hinting at new protections for Russian companies
-It is unclear why G7 is ‘great,’ what great is about it? In 2024, the Eurozone’s GDP growth was 0.9%. And the Big Seven… why is it big? It’s not clear. What’s big there? No matter where you look, you can’t see anyone on the map. This seven has 1.9% growth. And BRICS has 4.9% and in the recent years have been the leaders of global growth. In Russia, it’s 4.1% for two years in a row. (BRICS is not dead!)
-Whenever political issues arise, [the West] insists we must do this or that… But when I say that it violates the law, they respond that it is expedient. This is what they do in politics, and now in the economy’
What legal systems are we even talking about when [the West] just froze our assets and took them away in an uncivilized way?
(I hope Mr Trump is listening because he will soon see that he cannot get by President Putin with a removal of sanctions feint.)
Joking with Peskov: Don’t listen to Peskov — his job is to talk
Nevertheless, Peskov stated:
The meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump should not be considered a ‘new Yalta’, this opinion is unfair, said Dmitry Peskov, answering journalists’ questions.
The Kremlin described the upcoming meeting between Putin and Trump as a mutual agreement.
Now there are a lot of emotional expectations from the conversation, but this is one conversation in a chain of actions to establish dialogue, to find a way of settlement. This is complex, painstaking, responsible work. It is work at the highest level,’ the presidential spokesman said.
He added that Moscow had not yet decided who would be its chief negotiator for dialogue with Washington.
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