WASHINGTON, March 22. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump firmly dismissed claims that Russia has rejected US proposals for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the US leader also effectively indicated that it is premature to discuss tightening Washington’s sanctions against Moscow.
"He (Russian President Vladimir Putin - TASS) didn’t reject anything. And they do have sanctions," Trump told reporters at the White House, responding to a question whether the US should tighten restrictions against Russia because Putin’s alleged rejection of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
"They have just about more sanctions than anybody," the White House host added.
Putin and Trump held a phone call on March 18, discussing the idea of a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, ways to prevent a further escalation of tensions and a number of international issues, the Kremlin said. According to its account of the call, the Russian leader supported the US president’s initiative for an energy and infrastructure ceasefire in Ukraine. The White House said in the readout that the two leaders also agreed to begin technical negotiations "on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace.".