**US and Russia Close to Peace Deal in Ukraine**
The US and Russian governments are close to agreeing on a ceasefire deal in Ukraine. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the Trump administration believes they have “never been closer” to closing a peace deal.
A phone call is scheduled between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin for March 18. Leavitt said that the two leaders will discuss how to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
The planned call follows US-led negotiations in Saudi Arabia, where Washington proposed a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Kyiv accepted the deal during talks in Jeddah on March 11.
**US and Russian Positions**
Russia has said that it is willing to accept the ceasefire but demands guarantees that Ukraine will not mobilize troops or receive military assistance during the truce. This makes Ukraine potentially vulnerable to renewed Russian aggression.
The US and Ukrainian governments have said that both sides must make compromises in order to end the war. They also insist that Ukraine’s goal of restoring its pre-2014 borders is “unrealistic”.
**Ukraine’s Stance**
Ukraine is ready to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, but remains firm on several areas, including the return of children and civilians, no further ceding of territory, and establishing international security guarantees.
**Other Developments**
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a Ukrainian long-range drone has successfully completed testing. The drone can fly 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles).
Germany has provided Ukraine with three Gepard anti-aircraft systems, 10,000 rounds of ammunition, and other defense aid.
Ukraine has extradited a German citizen who fought in the country‘s Defense Forces and is suspected of rape and other crimes.