US President Trump will hold talks with Russian President Putin on Tuesday (March 18) to discuss the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine. The focus of the talks may include the cession of Ukrainian territory and control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Trump said that despite the complex situation in Ukraine, he is optimistic about reaching a ceasefire agreement. At the same time, Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized that national sovereignty cannot be negotiated, while Russia demanded "ironclad" guarantees from NATO to ensure Ukraine's neutrality. Although Western allies are willing to provide support, Russia firmly opposes the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine.

Trump's ceasefire efforts and Ukraine's stance

Trump said in Washington on Monday that he will hold talks with Putin on Tuesday to end the Ukraine war, with a focus on territorial cession and control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Trump emphasized that despite the severe situation in Ukraine, he is optimistic about reaching a ceasefire agreement. Ukrainian President Zelensky accused Putin of prolonging the war and emphasized that Ukraine's sovereignty cannot be negotiated, and Russia must surrender the territories it has occupied.

Russia's demands and the response of Western allies

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that any peace agreement must include "ironclad" guarantees to ensure Ukraine remains neutral and does not join NATO. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas believes that Russia's conditions indicate that it does not truly want peace. British Prime Minister Stamer stated that multiple countries, including the UK and France, are willing to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine after the ceasefire, but Russia firmly opposes the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine.

Controversy over Control of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, as the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, has become one of the key topics of the talks. Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of actions that could lead to accidents at nuclear power plants. Trump said the talks will discuss

summarize

The talks between Trump and Putin have brought hope for a ceasefire in Ukraine, but the differences between the two sides on issues such as territorial cession, control of nuclear power plants, and Ukraine's neutral status have made the prospects of the agreement uncertain. Ukraine insists on national sovereignty without negotiation, while Russia demands NATO to provide "iron like" guarantees. Although Western allies are willing to provide support, Russia firmly opposes the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine. In the future, the achievement of a ceasefire agreement will depend on whether all parties can resolve their differences through negotiations and avoid further escalation of the conflict.

If the talks are successful, gold prices may come under pressure due to a decrease in safe haven demand, and oil prices may fall due to easing supply risks; But if the talks fail or the conflict escalates, risk aversion and supply concerns may simultaneously push up gold and oil prices.