U.S. sees technical talks as key step towards real ceasefire

This opinion was expressed by Ukrainian MP and former head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Valentyn Nalyvaychenko, in an interview with Espreso.

“The conversation lasted less than 2.5 hours, but it was still significant, as over 1.5 hours were spent discussing the matter between US President Donald Trump and Putin. The first and most important thing I learned after this conversation was that I was able to speak with our American partners. Although it was very late by our time, what became clear from them was what had been agreed upon and what President Trump managed to extract from Putin. First, I confirm the information that Putin promised Trump a ceasefire for at least 30 days concerning energy and other infrastructure objects in Ukraine. This is what Putin said. Whether we believe him is something we will address later, as no one plans to and it’s not possible. But still, this is the first step, if not the outcome of yesterday's phone conversation,” he said.

Valentyn Nalyvaychenko noted that an important agreement was reached concerning the security of shipping in the Black Sea. He mentioned that the American side managed to press Russia on this matter.

“Second, there was a clear agreement about the Black Sea, about the security of shipping. Specifically, the grain corridor, which was one of the first and very positive results of international agreements, and it was operational. To make sure it continues to function, to preserve it, and to ensure it remains safe and sustainable in Ukraine's interests, this was also a matter that the American side managed to press Russia on during the phone call. Third, today, an agreement was made to immediately start so-called technical negotiations, but I would say that the American side views them as genuine substantive negotiations between the American delegation and Russia. And between the American and Ukrainian delegations on the next steps towards, and here’s the key point, towards a real ceasefire and determining how and on what conditions to end the war, to stop Russian aggression,” said the MP.

He also emphasized that Russian dictator Putin was afraid to agree to a ceasefire along the entire front line: in the air, on land, and at sea.

• On March 23, representatives from the U.S. and Russia would meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss the details of halting strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
• On March 19,  the advisor to the head of the President's Office, stated that Ukraine would not participate in the negotiations between the U.S. and Russia in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for March 23.

Trump’s conversation with Putin: what we know

On March 18, US President Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, lasting about two hours. The two sides agreed that the path to peace would begin with halting attacks on energy infrastructure, while Moscow demanded the suspension of mobilization in Ukraine and the rearming of the Ukrainian Armed Forces during a potential ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated after Trump's negotiations with Putin that the Kremlin leader had effectively rejected the proposal for a complete ceasefire.