Bloomberg: Kremlin explores temporary ceasefire as US and Ukraine prepare for key talks

Russia is open to discussing a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, but only if there is significant progress toward a comprehensive peace agreement, according to sources close to the Kremlin. This marks a potential shift in Russia’s stance following US President Donald Trump’s recent call for a ceasefire.

According to exclusive material by Bloomberg, the proposal was communicated during high-level talks in Saudi Arabia last month between Russian and American officials, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussion, per Caliber.Az.

For Russia to consider a halt in hostilities, there must be a clear understanding of the key principles that will shape a final peace deal, the sources said. One of Russia’s key demands is defining the framework for a future peacekeeping mission, including the nations that would be involved, according to another individual familiar with the matter.

These revelations come as US and Ukrainian officials prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia next week for their first direct talks since a recent tense exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. US special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the purpose of the meeting would be to establish “a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire.”

President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, reiterated his belief in the possibility of a peace deal. “I think he’s going to be more generous than he has to be,” Trump said, referring to Putin. He expressed confidence that Russia was open to negotiations but also emphasized the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "I think we’re doing very well with Russia. But right now they’re bombing the hell out of Ukraine," Trump added, noting that dealing with Ukraine had become “more difficult” than engaging with Russia.

Trump had previously indicated his intention to impose new sanctions and tariffs on Russia if Moscow failed to reach a peace agreement. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy updated the public on his discussions with Trump’s team, emphasizing that the focus remained on securing peace and ensuring reliable security. “Ukraine is very constructive,” Zelenskyy stated in his daily video address.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Russia has made it clear that it will not accept the presence of NATO troops on Ukrainian soil, rejecting European proposals to form a “coalition of the willing” to monitor a potential peace deal. However, Russia has no objections to countries like China, which have remained neutral in the conflict, deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.

Since his inauguration on January 20, Trump has sought to shift US policy toward Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, aiming to expedite an end to the war. He held a phone call with Putin last month, agreeing to meet in person, although a date has not yet been set. Trump also reversed US support for Ukraine’s potential NATO membership and has expressed that a full return of Ukrainian territory seized by Russia since 2014 may not be feasible.

Following his White House confrontation with Zelenskyy, Trump suspended military aid to Ukraine and halted some intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, alarming European allies who fear this approach may reward Russia’s aggression.

In response to Trump’s calls for a quick end to the war, Putin has remained firm. In his annual press conference in December, he rejected the idea of a ceasefire, stating, “We don’t need a truce — we need peace: long-term, durable, with guarantees for the Russian Federation and its citizens.”

On March 6, Russia also rejected a proposal by France and the UK for a one-month truce that would halt air and maritime operations, including strikes on energy infrastructure.

By Tamilla Hasanova