Trump suggests Russia could be "dragging their feet" on Ukraine peace deal

US President Donald Trump believes that Russia is eager to reach a settlement in the Ukraine conflict. However, he acknowledged that Moscow may be delaying the conclusion of a peace agreement.

Russia and President Vladimir Putin might be "dragging their feet" on reaching a peace deal with Ukraine, Trump said, speaking to Newsmax on March 25, per Caliber.Az.

"I don't know. I mean, I'll let you know at a certain point. But I think that Russia wants to see an end to it, but it could be they're dragging their feet," Trump told Newsmax host Greg Kelly. "I've done it over the years, you know; I don't want to sign a contract, I want to sort of stay in the game, but maybe I don't want to do it, quite … I'm not sure. But no, I think Russia would like to see it end, and I think [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy would like to see it end at this point."

Trump also stated that both sides are losing approximately 2,500 soldiers each week.

"They're not Americans but it doesn't matter to me, from that standpoint," Trump said. "I see the pictures of the battlefields; I'd rather not even see them. We have arms and legs and heads all over the field. The weaponry is ridiculous. It's a big drone deal now. … And I just want to see it stop."

Meanwhile, on March 25, the US reached an agreement with Russia and Ukraine during a meeting in Riyadh to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, prevent the use of force, and prohibit the use of commercial vessels for military purposes, according to the White House press service.

The three countries also agreed to develop a mechanism to prevent strikes on energy infrastructure in Russia and Ukraine. The statement noted that the parties "welcomed the good intentions of third countries to support the implementation of energy and maritime agreements."

As part of the discussions, Washington pledged to assist Russia in "restoring access to the global market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, reducing marine insurance costs, and expanding access to ports and payment systems for such transactions." Additionally, during talks with the Ukrainian delegation, US representatives expressed readiness to facilitate the exchange of prisoners of war, detainees, and the return of displaced children.

According to the White House, Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv "will continue to work to achieve a lasting and durable peace." Trump emphasized that a necessary step in this process is "stopping the killing on both sides," with the US committed to facilitating negotiations.

The expert-level talks took place in Riyadh from March 23 to 25. The Kremlin did not disclose details of the discussions, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov highlighted safe navigation in the Black Sea as a key topic. He also reiterated Russia's stance in favor of resuming the Black Sea grain initiative "in a form more acceptable to all." Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that agreements on shipping arrangements were reached.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative was originally signed by Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye, and the UN on July 22, 2022. The deal aimed to ensure the safe export of Ukrainian grain and facilitate Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports. It was extended three times — on November 17, 2022, for 120 days, and then on March 18 and May 17, 2023, for 60 days each. However, after the last extension expired on July 17, 2023, Russia declined to renew the agreement, citing unfulfilled commitments regarding its own exports. As a result, the initiative ceased operations.

By Tamilla Hasanova