Pragmatic Discussion on the Prospects of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict, Unable to Discuss Sanctions in Detail, One-Hour "Candid" Call Between the Presidents of the U.S. and Russia

[Global Times Special Correspondent in Russia, Xiao Xinxin] On the evening of the 9th local time, Russian presidential assistant Ushakov stated that Russian President Putin had a phone call with U.S. President Trump that day at Trump's request, focusing on the situation in Iran and the trilateral talks between Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine regarding the Ukraine issue. According to Reuters, Ushakov indicated that the call was initiated at the suggestion of the U.S. side and lasted about an hour. The call was described as "pragmatic, candid, and constructive."

According to a report by Reuters on the 9th, Trump stated that he had a "very good call" with Putin regarding the situations in Iran and Ukraine. Trump described the call concerning Ukraine as "a positive conversation." There is "great hatred" between Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky, and they seem unable to reach an agreement. Trump also mentioned that Putin wants to "offer help" regarding the situation in Iran, but he told Putin that if the latter could end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, "that would be more helpful."

Regarding the Ukraine issue, Ushakov stated that Putin informed Trump during the call about the current situation along the contact line in the Russia-Ukraine front, noting that the Russian military's advance is "very smooth," which should encourage the Ukrainian side to ultimately turn to negotiations to resolve the conflict. The Russian side positively evaluated the efforts made by Trump and his team in this regard. 

The fourth round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia was originally scheduled for early March but was postponed due to heightened tensions in Iran and the Middle East. According to the Ukrainian news agency, Zelensky stated on social media on the evening of the 9th that all of Ukraine's partner countries are currently focused on the situation in Iran, and therefore the trilateral talks that were supposed to be held this week at the suggestion of the U.S. side have been postponed. Ukraine is ready to hold talks in any practical form that would help end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

On the 10th, Russian news agency TASS reported that Russian presidential press secretary Peskov stated that the specific date and location for the new round of trilateral talks between Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine have not yet been determined. He noted that during Trump's call with Putin on the 9th, no request was made for a ceasefire from the Russian side, nor were any conditions set for advancing negotiations, and the two sides did not discuss the issue of lifting U.S. sanctions on Russian oil in detail. Peskov revealed that U.S. presidential envoy Wietekov is maintaining contact with the Russian side, allowing both sides to engage in dialogue on sensitive issues, and the Russian side is willing to continue negotiations. The trilateral talk format should continue to advance, as all parties are keen to resolve the Ukraine issue as soon as possible.

As all parties focus on the situation in Iran, Europe has once again emphasized its support for Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian International News Agency, European Commission President von der Leyen stated on the 9th that regardless of what happens elsewhere, Europe will always stand by Ukraine, and the war must end in a way that "does not lay the groundwork for future conflicts." Although the process of the EU providing a €90 billion aid loan to Ukraine is facing obstacles, the EU will ultimately fulfill its commitments to Ukraine, which is a "priority." However, von der Leyen did not directly specify what the obstacles are. Reports indicate that Hungarian Prime Minister Orban is still obstructing the EU's provision of this aid loan to Ukraine.

The U.S. New York Times reported on the 9th that the war between the U.S. and Israel against Iran may divert the world's attention from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and cut off the supply of defensive weapons urgently needed by Ukraine. According to Zelensky and senior EU defense official Kubilius, in the initial days of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, Middle Eastern countries consumed over 800 "Patriot" missiles to intercept more than 2,000 drones and over 500 ballistic missiles launched by Iran. Meanwhile, Ukrainian presidential advisor Litvin stated that during the four-year Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukraine has only received about 600 "Patriot" missiles.

Ukrainian "National Network" reported on the 9th that the ongoing U.S.-Israel war against Iran poses a strategic threat to Ukraine. If the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate and disrupts global oil and gas supplies, Russia, as one of the world's major energy exporters, will benefit, and thus Ukraine hopes that the U.S.-Israel war can end quickly. However, there are currently no signs of an end to the fighting in the short term, and the U.S. has hinted that it may ease energy sanctions on Russia, while Europe may also change its strategy under energy pressure, which puts greater pressure on Ukraine. Additionally, the protraction of the conflict in the Middle East may result in the U.S. not having enough weapons to supply Ukraine, and as the front-line fighting in Russia progresses, Ukraine's position in negotiations is becoming increasingly severe.

The Russian "Military Observation Network" reported on the 9th that the escalation of the situation in the Middle East has left the U.S. and Europe unable to pay attention to the situation in Ukraine, and the support and assistance that Ukraine receives face significant uncertainty, with both the fighting and negotiation situations continuously deteriorating, while the Ukrainian authorities are at a loss.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. The Ukrainian Air Force reported on the 10th that the Russian military launched 137 drones at Ukraine from the evening of the 9th to the early morning of the 10th, and the Ukrainian air defense system intercepted and shot down 122 of them. Zelensky stated on the 8th that over the past month, Ukrainian forces have recaptured an area of 400 to 435 square kilometers on the southern front. The main goal of the Russian military's spring offensive remains to control the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported on the 10th that the Russian military continues to launch offensives in multiple directions, including Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia. The Russian Aerospace Forces shot down a Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 fighter jet. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on the 9th that the Russian military has gained control of another settlement in the Donetsk region. Over the past day, the Russian air defense system intercepted and shot down 3 "HIMARS" rockets and 754 Ukrainian drones.