US President Donald Trump described his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “good and productive” amid efforts to secure a US-backed ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump expressed optimism, saying there is a “very good chance” to end the war. However, the Kremlin confirmed that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff left Moscow without a ceasefire agreement. Putin has delayed accepting a 30-day ceasefire proposal, raising concerns about Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Putin of deliberately stalling the peace process, emphasizing demands for the return of prisoners and abducted Ukrainian children.
ESTONIAN PM FLOATS €40 BILLION MILITARY AID PROPOSAL FOR UKRAINE
High Representative Kaja Kallas has proposed an ambitious plan to provide up to €40 billion in new military aid for Ukraine, doubling the European Union’s support from last year. Dubbed the “Kallas initiative” in Brussels, the plan prioritizes artillery, air defense systems, missiles, drones, and fighter jets while also including non-lethal aid like training. Contributions could be made through direct hardware deliveries or financial support, encouraging purchases from Ukraine’s growing defense industry. The proposal mentions “participating” countries, suggesting a coalition of willing nations rather than unanimous EU involvement. The latest draft sets a target of at least €20 billion.
US THREATENS RESPONSE AS WHITE HOUSE CALLS HAMAS’ GAZA MOVE A ‘BAD BET’
On March 14, the White House accused Hamas of making “entirely impractical” demands, delaying the release of a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for extending the Gaza ceasefire. US special envoy Steve Witkoff discussed a “bridge proposal” in Qatar to extend the ceasefire until mid-April if Hamas releases living hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Witkoff warned Hamas against assuming time is in its favor, stressing the US would “respond accordingly” if the deadline is missed. The statement also reiterated former President Trump’s warning that Hamas would “pay a severe price” if hostages, including US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander, are not released immediately.
PUTIN URGES UKRAINIAN FORCES TO SURRENDER IN THE KURSK
Following US President Donald Trump’s appeal to spare Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Kyiv’s forces to “surrender.” In a televised address, Putin said, “We are sympathetic to President Trump’s call,” promising life and dignified treatment for those who lay down their arms. He further called on Ukraine’s leadership to issue an official order for troops to surrender, emphasizing that such action is necessary to implement Trump’s request. Earlier, Trump had posted on social media, urging Putin to spare the lives of Ukrainian soldiers fighting on the frontline.
BEIJING HOSTS ‘CONSTRUCTIVE’ NUCLEAR TALKS AS CHINA OPPOSES IRAN SANCTIONS
China called for an end to “illegal” sanctions on Iran as it hosted Iranian and Russian diplomats on Friday, aiming to revive stalled talks on Tehran’s nuclear program. The 2015 nuclear deal, which limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, was abandoned by the US during Donald Trump’s first presidency. While Trump, now back in the White House, seeks a new agreement, Iran refuses negotiations unless sanctions are lifted. At the Beijing talks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of the 2015 agreement and urged a swift return to dialogue with Iranian and Russian counterparts.
