German FM urges Trump to avoid concessions to Putin that could harm Ukraine

Speaking on Monday, March 17, ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Baerbock stressed the importance of European and American unity in addressing the war.

“It is very important now that Europeans and Americans act together and in unity,” she stated.

Baerbock emphasized that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must remain the foundation of all negotiations.

“The territorial integrity of Ukraine should be the basis of all negotiations, and no options should be taken off the table in advance,” she said.

Trump is set to speak with Putin on Tuesday, March 18, stating that he plans to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

Witkoff-Putin talk

On the night of March 13-14, it was reported that Steve Witkoff held talks in Moscow. 

On March 13, Alexander Lukashenko also visited Moscow and met with Vladimir Putin. 

On March 14, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that following Witkoff's conversation with Putin, “there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, SkyNews reported that during his visit to Moscow, Witkoff waited eight hours to meet with Putin, who was engaged in talks with Alexander Lukashenko.

U.S. President Donald Trump denied media reports that his special representative, Steve Witkoff, had supposedly waited 8 hours to meet with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.

On March 16, U.S. Special Representative Steve Witkoff announced that a phone conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin is expected next week.