**Russia Open to Talks with US**
On March 11, Russia said it may hold talks with the United States in the coming days. This follows a statement by US President Donald Trump that he might speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told state news agencies, “We do not rule out contacts with U.S. representatives within the next few days.”
**Ceasefire Talks Gain Momentum**
The talks come after Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal from Washington, which can be extended by mutual agreement. Trump said he hoped Putin would also agree and that negotiations could move forward.
For tango, it takes two, as I have already said, so I hope he (Putin) will agree as well, and I really think that would be 75% of the way, the rest is just paperwork,” Trump said.
**US to Lift Pause on Intelligence Sharing**
The United States agreed to lift a pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine. This was announced by Ukraine’s Presidential Office after meetings with US officials in Saudi Arabia.
If we can get Russia to do it, that’ll be great. If we can’t, we just keep going on, and people are going to get killed, lots of people,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
**France Rejects Demilitarization**
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu said France will not accept any demilitarization of the Ukrainian army. He made this statement during a closed-door meeting in Paris on March 11.
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