US President Donald Trump stated that he believes Russia wants to end its war with Ukraine but suggested that Moscow may be “dragging its feet” after the Kremlin disputed reports of agreements made with the US.
Trump’s comments came just hours after Russia said it would only honor a US-brokered deal to cease hostilities in the Black Sea if some sanctions on its banks and exports, imposed due to its invasion of Ukraine, are lifted.
The White House announced on Tuesday that, after separate negotiations with Ukrainian and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, both sides had agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent commercial vessels from being used for military purposes in the Black Sea.
While Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine agreed to halt military action in the Black Sea, the Kremlin released its own statement on the talks, outlining significant conditions for agreeing to the partial truce. These included lifting sanctions on Russia’s agricultural bank and other financial institutions, as well as reconnecting them to the SWIFT international payment system.
The US statements did not mention the lifting of sanctions as a condition for the ceasefire.
“I think Russia would like to see it end, and I think President Zelensky would like to see it end, at this point,” Trump said.
Regarding Russia’s conditions, Trump stated that his administration was carefully considering them. “We’re thinking about all of them right now. There are five or six conditions. We are looking at all of them,” he said.
The White House also noted that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to pause attacks on energy infrastructure. However, the details of that agreement remain unclear. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia ceased targeting energy infrastructure from March 18, following a phone call between Trump and Russian President Putin.
However, Ukraine has accused Russia of continuing attacks on its infrastructure, claiming at least eight strikes in the past week. Meanwhile, Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking its facilities, including an oil pumping station in the southern Krasnodar region.