White House wants ceasefire by April 20, affirms ongoing support for Ukraine

According to sources familiar with White House plans, the U.S. hopes to reach an agreement by Easter but acknowledges that the timing may change due to significant differences between the positions of both sides.

The administration of former President Donald Trump also recognizes that the schedule could shift, citing the differences between the two parties.

Russia has previously demanded conditions for a future agreement, including a halt to arms supplies to Ukraine. However, the White House has not agreed to any restrictions on such assistance, according to Bloomberg sources.

On March 24, separate technical negotiations between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia will be held in Saudi Arabia to discuss ceasefire proposals.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope on March 21 that the upcoming talks could bring the parties closer to a full ceasefire.

On March 21, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi clarified that the talks between the Ukrainian and U.S. delegations would be technical, not political, and that the Ukrainian delegation would not meet with Russian officials.

On March 20, U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg explained that talks in Riyadh would involve separate communications between U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian delegations.

Though the event schedule is still being finalized, it is expected that the Ukrainian delegation will depart on March 23 for negotiations on March 24.

During a visit to Finland on March 19, Zelenskyy confirmed that the talks in Saudi Arabia would involve military and energy officials.

The Russian delegation will be led by Sergey Beseda, former head of the FSB's Fifth Service, which was responsible for intelligence failures before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian delegation will include Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa.