**Russian Negotiator Doubts Quick Ceasefire in Ukraine**
A Russian negotiator has cast doubt on the US efforts to broker a quick ceasefire in Ukraine. Grigory Karasin said on March 28 that talks with the US may not yield decisive results this year.
Karasin led the Russian delegation that met with the US in Riyadh on March 24. They agreed on a partial ceasefire, but it’s unclear if it will hold. The agreement allows for no strikes against energy infrastructure and Black Sea operations.
The Russian official described the meeting as “constructive” but admitted limited results. He said the consultations would continue, and it might take more than this year to get clear results. Karasin is chairman of Russia’s Federation Council Committee on International Affairs.
Kyiv has already accused Russia of violating the energy ceasefire. The future of the Black Sea ceasefire is uncertain because Moscow has linked it to lifting Western sanctions on Russian food producers and some financial institutions.
US President Donald Trump had promised a swift deal to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has been ongoing for over three years. However, his administration briefly halted all military assistance to Ukraine to push them to the negotiating table while exerting little pressure on Russia.
**Background**
The US and Ukraine agreed on a 30-day truce in Jeddah on March 11, but Moscow rejected it unless it included conditions undermining Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. Trump acknowledged on March 25 that Russia may be “dragging their feet” in peace talks.
Kyiv and other observers warn that Moscow intentionally prolongs the process to allow Russian forces to capture more territory. The situation remains uncertain, and it’s unclear if a ceasefire will be reached soon.
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