White House on Trump's upcoming phone call with Putin: 'We've never been closer to a peace deal'

This was announced by White House Press Secretary Karin Leavitt during a press conference on Monday, as reported by an Ukrinform correspondent.

“I won't get ahead of myself in these negotiations, but I can tell you that we are ten yards away from peace, and we have never been closer to a peace agreement than we are now. And the president, as you know, is determined to achieve that,” Leavitt said.

Read also: Trump must convince Putin to drop some “absurd demands” – Pish FM

Asked whether territorial issues would be discussed, she said the national security group was actively engaging with Ukrainian officials and President Volodymyr Zelensky on the issue.

“That was a discussion between the president's team and the Ukrainians. As far as defining the borders or any specific aspects, I don't intend to discuss that from this podium,” Leavitt added.

Regarding the power plant Trump mentioned last week, the press secretary clarified that it was a nuclear power plant.

“There is a power plant on the border between Russia and Ukraine that has been a subject of discussion with Ukrainian officials. And he [Trump] will discuss it in his phone call with Putin tomorrow,” Leavitt said.

Commenting on Trump's readiness to impose sanctions on Russia if the talks do not go as planned, she reiterated that this remains at the same level as Trump had previously stated.

“He's certainly willing to do [that] if the need arises,” Leavitt said.

President Donald Trump previously announced plans to meet with Putin on March 18 to discuss ending the conflict in Ukraine.

Photo: Doug Mills/The New York Times