**US Announces Another Round of Talks on Ukraine Conflict**
The US government announced on March 18 that another round of talks on the Russian war in Ukraine will begin immediately in the Middle East. The announcement follows a call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed a 30-day ceasefire proposal.
**Ceasefire Proposal**
According to the White House statement, Putin and Trump agreed that the conflict should end with “a lasting peace.” They also agreed on an energy and infrastructure ceasefire and technical negotiations on implementing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. The first steps towards this will be taken immediately in the Middle East.
**Improved Bilateral Relations**
Putin and Trump also discussed improving bilateral relations between the US and Russia, saying that cooperation has “a huge upside,” including “enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved.”
**Response from Ukraine**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he agreed to stop strikes on Russian energy infrastructure during a phone call with Trump. However, the Kremlin demanded a complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence to Ukraine as a “key condition for avoiding an escalation of the war.”
**Other Developments**
* Ukraine brought home 175 Ukrainian soldiers in a one-for-one prisoner exchange with Russia.
* The outgoing German government agreed to release an additional 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in military assistance for Ukraine.
* US President Trump’s son, Donald Jr., and special envoy Steve Witkoff were involved in backchannel talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s political rivals.
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