Russian media intensively covered preparations for the March 18 Trump-Putin phone call, with Kremlin spokesperson Peskov confirming arrangements were made quickly. The conversation's focus appears centered on territorial issues, with Trump mentioning "division of assets" and control of nuclear plants.
The White House struck an optimistic tone, stating the US and Russia are "closer than ever" to achieving peace in Ukraine, with reports in Semafor and Kommersant suggesting the US might recognize Crimea as Russian territory as part of a potential deal.
Military operations continued with Russian forces claiming to have liberated Stepovoe in Zaporizhzhia region and striking Ukrainian drone training centers. Media reported Ukrainian forces had retreated from most of Kursk region, where previously Trump had asked Putin to spare surrounded troops.
Economic news noted Gazprom's 1 trillion ruble loss in 2024, while Putin authorized certain Western funds to sell Russian securities.