Russia is open to discussing a temporary truce in Ukraine if progress is made toward a final peace deal, according to sources in Moscow.
The proposal was first conveyed during last month’s talks in Saudi Arabia between senior Russian and American officials.
A truce would require a clear framework for a long-term settlement, including agreement on a peacekeeping mission and which countries would participate, sources said. Russia rejects NATO troops in Ukraine but is open to neutral countries like China playing a role.
The details emerge as the U.S. and Ukraine prepare for direct talks in Saudi Arabia next week, following Trump’s Oval Office clash with President Zelensky. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said the goal is to establish “a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire.”
Trump, speaking Friday, said he believes Putin is willing to negotiate and may be “more generous than he has to be.” He also noted that Russia is “bombing the hell out of Ukraine” and suggested Ukraine is proving harder to deal with than Moscow. Earlier, he threatened new sanctions and tariffs to pressure the Kremlin into a deal.
