Trump says Russians could 'drag' ceasefire

US President Donald Trump acknowledged that Russia may delay signing a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine, although he did not fully confirm it.

As Trump pushed for a swift end to the war that has killed tens of thousands of people, White House negotiators moved separately over three days in the Saudi capital Riyadh between delegations from Ukraine and Russia.

"I don't know. I mean, I'll let you know at some point. But I think Russia wants to see an end to it, but it could be that they're dragging it out," Trump said in an interview with Newsmax's Greg Kelly.

Earlier this month, days after Trump's Oval Office confrontation and reprimand of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Kiev agreed to an unconditional ceasefire proposed by the US.

However, Moscow rejected the offer. Ukraine and its European allies have accused Russia of shirking peace efforts, the Telegraph reports.

A week later, on March 18, after Trump and Putin spoke, Russia agreed to stop striking energy facilities.

"I've done it over the years, you know; I don't want to sign a contract, I want to stay in the game, but maybe I don't want to do it completely. I'm not sure. But no, I think Russia would like to see it end and I think Zelensky would like to see it end at this point," Trump added.

The Kremlin and Russia's Defense Ministry said a temporary ban on attacks against energy facilities had been in place since March 18, when Trump and Putin reached an agreement.

However, drone attacks in Ukraine have intensified since then, with dozens of them targeting residential areas and killing civilians across the country.

Zelensky stated that the ceasefire in energy attacks only began on March 25, after the marathon of Riyadh negotiations that lasted two days, from March 23 to March 25.

Over the past few days, Trump team officials have held talks with Russian and Ukrainian representatives. Trump's delegation met separately with each side.

Then, in parallel statements, the White House said that Washington, Kiev and Moscow had agreed to ensure safe navigation and avoid the use of force in the Black Sea.

However, the Kremlin later stressed that Moscow would agree to safe navigation in the Black Sea only if the sanctions were partially lifted.

In particular, they demand that sanctions be lifted for:

Rosselkhozbank and other financial institutions involved in the food and fertilizer trade, including their reconnection to SWIFT and reopening of correspondent accounts.

Trade finance transactions related to agricultural exports.

Russian exporters of food and fertilizers, including the removal of restrictions on insurance coverage for food shipments.

Russian-flagged ships involved in the food and fertilizer trade, ensuring they can dock at international ports.

Agricultural machinery and other critical goods used in the production of food and fertilizers.

A similar reference to US aid for Russian agricultural exports appeared in the White House statement after the talks.

The White House said Washington would help "restore Russia's access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports," while working to reduce maritime security costs and improve access to ports and payment systems for such transactions. /Telegraph