Kremlin: ‘Difficult’ Ceasefire Talks Ahead as Russia, US Meet in Saudi Arabia

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said that negotiations between Russia and the United States over a potential Ukraine ceasefire will be challenging. Speaking to Russian state television ahead of ceasefire talks set to take place in Saudi Arabia, Peskov stated that the discussions were still in their early stages.

“We are only at the beginning of this path,” Peskov said, emphasizing that the talks scheduled with Washington on Monday would be “difficult.” He added that Moscow’s main priority in the discussions would be a possible agreement to resume safe commercial navigation in the Black Sea.

Ceasefire discussions face key hurdles

The talks in Saudi Arabia are part of a broader effort to bring an end to the ongoing war, but a swift resolution remains unlikely. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that any long-term peace agreement must address what he describes as the “root causes” of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Chief among these is Moscow’s opposition to NATO expansion, which Putin sees as a direct security threat.

Ukraine, however, has made NATO membership a strategic goal, arguing that joining the alliance is essential to its long-term security against future Russian aggression. US will have to ensure, that Ukraine understands, the fact that, a NATO membership is not on the table. 

Trump-Putin call outlines US ceasefire proposal

The discussions come in the wake of a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Putin last week. Following the call, the White House stated that both leaders agreed that the first step toward peace should be an "energy and infrastructure ceasefire," followed by negotiations for a “maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea” and, eventually, a full ceasefire leading to permanent peace.

Putin has also demanded that any long-term deal must include an end to military aid and intelligence sharing between Ukraine and its Western allies. 

As ceasefire discussions begin in Saudi Arabia, it remains to be seen if any progress will be made.