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

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated this during a press briefing on Monday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"I won't get ahead of those negotiations, but I can say we are on the 10th-yard line of peace, and we've never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment. And the President, as you know, is determined to get one done," Leavitt said.

When asked whether territorial issues would be discussed, she noted that the national security team has been engaged directly with Ukrainian officials and President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding this matter.

"That has been part of the discussion between the president's team and the Ukrainians. As for where those lines will be drawn, or any specifics, I am not going to get into that from this podium," Leavitt added.

Regarding the power plant mentioned by Trump last week, the press secretary clarified that he was referring to a nuclear power plant.

"There's a power plant that is on the border of Russia and Ukraine that was up for discussion with the Ukrainians. And he [Trump] will address it in his call with Putin tomorrow," Leavitt said.

Commenting on Trump's readiness to impose sanctions on Russia if the talks do not go as hoped, she reiterated that this remains an option previously proposed by Trump.

"Certainly, he is willing to do [so] if necessary," Leavitt said.

President Donald Trump earlier announced his plans to speak with Putin on March 18 to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

Photo: Doug Mills / The New York Times