Russia and U.S. Fail to Reach Agreement on Joint Statement After Ukraine Ceasefire Talks

High-level talks between Russia and the United States over a potential Ukraine ceasefire concluded without a joint statement, Russian state media reported, signaling continued diplomatic deadlock.

According to Russia’s Interfax news agency, negotiations lasted 12 hours but failed to produce a consensus, with Ukraine’s stance cited as the primary obstacle. Vladimir Chizhov, deputy chairman of the Russian Federation Council’s Defense and Security Committee, told state broadcaster Rossiya-24 that despite extended discussions, an agreement could not be reached.

U.S. and Russian officials had convened at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh on Monday, following a separate U.S.-Ukraine meeting at the same venue a day earlier. Expectations were high that a joint statement would be issued, signaling serious intent from both Washington and Moscow to pursue a ceasefire. However, no such announcement materialized.

The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, downplayed the significance of the discussions, describing them as “technical” and confirming that Moscow is still analyzing the outcome. Peskov also stated that there are no immediate plans for Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump to engage directly, though he acknowledged that a meeting could be arranged swiftly if necessary.

The U.S. has yet to comment on the breakdown of talks, while tensions remain high over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This remains a developing story as diplomatic efforts continue.