US President Donald Trump has revealed plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, March 18 to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine, hinting at a controversial proposal to divide the war-torn nation’s assets between them.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late on Sunday, Trump said negotiators have already discussed ‘dividing up certain assets’ such as land and power plants, signalling a potential carve-up of Ukraine to end the three-year conflict started by Russia’s 2022 invasion.
The talks follow Ukraine’s eventual submission to a US proposal for a 30-day truce during discussions in Saudi Arabia. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, met Putin in Moscow on Thursday, describing their exchange as ‘positive’ and ‘solution-based.’ Trump now aims to secure Russia’s commitment, stating, ‘Maybe we can, maybe we can’t, but I think we have a very good chance.’ He stressed addressing ‘land’ and ‘power plants,’ raising fears in Kyiv that territorial concessions, possibly including Russian-held regions like Donbas, are on the table.
Ukraine left wondering what Putin and Trump will leave
Putin has tentatively agreed to discuss the ceasefire proposal but insists on guarantees, questioning whether Ukraine would use the pause to rearm in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces hold a shrinking foothold. Kyiv denies claims its troops are encircled there, calling Putin’s rhetoric manipulative. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of stalling, warning that Putin seeks battlefield gains before any deal.
European allies, blindsided by Trump’s approach, worry the US and Russia are negotiating Europe’s future security without them. Trump’s comments fuel speculation of a grand bargain, and sidelining Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, a massive red line for the Putin administration. As the telephone call approaches, the fear of a divided Ukraine hangs over a war-weary region, with all eyes on Tuesday’s call.
