Different Perspectives of the U.S. and Russia on Obstacles to a Settlement in Ukraine
Russian National Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu stated that several obstacles complicate the peace settlement process in Ukraine. He explained that the main hurdle is Ukraine’s constitution, which prohibits negotiations on territorial integrity. He also pointed to issues such as the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s ban on negotiations with Russia, stressing that these must be resolved for any agreements to be reached.
Washington’s Perspective on Key Obstacles
A U.S. official indicated that the biggest obstacle to a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine is President Vladimir Putin’s condition that Western countries stop arming Ukraine.
Trump-Putin Phone Call
This comes after a phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, March 18. Following the call, the Kremlin announced Moscow’s support for a proposal to halt attacks on energy sites for 30 days. Both leaders also agreed to continue working toward a comprehensive settlement of the conflict in Ukraine.
