US President Donald Trump, who insists he remains determined to end the bloodshed in Ukraine, has found himself confronted with the complex reality of even pausing this brutal war, exploited by Putin’s tough and seasoned negotiators.

Russia and the United States are analysing the outcome of talks between their officials in Saudi Arabia on Monday, the Kremlin said, declining to give details of the discussions which both sides had said would focus on a potential naval ceasefire.

The announcement was made Tuesday as the U.S. wrapped up three days of talks with Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia on prospective steps toward a limited ceasefire.