Both the US and Ukraine have been left frustrated by Russia in the talks amid slow progress.
15:17, Sun, Mar 30, 2025 | UPDATED: 15:38, Sun, Mar 30, 2025
Damage after Russian drone attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine (Image: Getty)
Donald Trump’s wish for a quick end to the war in Ukraine appears to be in doubt after a top Russian negotiator warned a ceasefire may not come into effect “this year”. Grigory Karasin, who led the Russian delegation during “constructive” talks with the US in Saudi Arabia earlier this week, said "it would be naive to expect any breakthrough results at the very first meeting".
In an interview with state-run broadcaster Rossiya 24, Mr Karasin said a ceasefire may not arrive “this year or at the end of this year”. His comments came after Ukraine and Russia agreed to a ceasefire on energy infrastructure and the Black Sea. Mr Karasin, a former British ambassador and chairman of Russia’s Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, acknowledged the talks had brought limited results but suggested discussions will continue.
The US President has made it clear he wants the war in Ukraine to be swiftly ended (Image: Getty)
Both Russia and Ukraine have already accused each other of breaking promises to pause strikes on energy facilities.
A 30-day ceasefire was agreed earlier this month but lasted a matter of hours.
The Ukrainian government and military analysts fear Russian forces are preparing to launch a fresh military offensive in the coming weeks to maximise pressure on Ukraine and strengthen the Kremlin's negotiation position in ceasefire talks.
Ukrainian officials said this would give Vladimir Putin reason to delay discussions about ending the war in an attempt to gain more land.
Moscow is reportedly eyeing a multi-pronged push across some 621 miles of the frontline.
He said: “They’re dragging out the talks and trying to get the US stuck in endless and pointless discussions about fake ‘conditions’ just to buy time and then try to grab more land.”
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