Putin trying to extract preemptive concessions from Trump in war-end negotiations — ISW

The U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported the information.

Analysts remind that Putin rejected the proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Ukraine on March 13, stating that the cessation of hostilities "should be such that it would lead to long-term peace and eliminate the initial causes."

“Putin thus rejected one of the main principles of the U.S.-Ukrainian proposal — that the temporary ceasefire precedes formal negotiations to end the war. The U.S.-Ukrainian temporary ceasefire proposal noted that the United States and Ukraine discussed the return of prisoners of war (POWs), detained civilians, and forcibly deported Ukrainian children — all of which will require future talks with Russia,” the ISW report says.

The Institute noted that the U.S.-Ukraine proposal for a temporary ceasefire did not mention negotiations with Russia over Ukrainian territory, energy infrastructure, or assets. 

On March 13, Putin also suggested that he might call Trump to discuss issues related to the ceasefire proposal, such as Ukraine's continued ability to mobilize forces and receive military assistance from partners and allies — issues not included in the U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire proposal, analysts say.

“Putin is attempting to change the sequence of talks in order to push Trump into making preemptive concessions on issues that are not part of the U.S.-Ukrainian temporary ceasefire but are part of Russia's war aims. The acceptance of these Russian demands in the context of negotiations for an immediate ceasefire would cede valuable U.S. and Ukrainian leverage during future negotiations to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine,” ISW emphasized.

• U.S. President Donald Trump announced that on Tuesday, March 18, he plans to hold a conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin regarding ending the war in Ukraine, as well as discussing territories and power plants.
• White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. is "10 yards away from peace" ahead of Trump's scheduled call with Putin on March 18.