White House Says Peace Deal Closer Than Ever, Trump to Discuss Ukraine, Sanctions With Putin

US President Donald Trump is prepared to impose sanctions on Russia if necessary following his upcoming discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on March 17.

“It’s something the president has considered, and he is certainly willing to do if necessary,” Leavitt said.

She confirmed that Trump is set to have a phone call with Putin on Tuesday but declined to provide details.

“I won’t get ahead of those negotiations, but I can say we are on the 10-yard line of peace, and we’ve never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment,” Leavitt told reporters.

During the conversation, Trump is expected to raise concerns about the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant amid ongoing international fears regarding its safety.

“There is a power plant near the front line between Russia and Ukraine that has been a topic of discussion with Ukrainian officials, and the president will address it in his conversation with Putin,” Leavitt added.

Previously, it was reported that US President Donald Trump announced plans to hold a phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on March 18.