During recent talks in Riyadh, Russian and US officials reached agreement on a three-stage plan to end hostilities in Ukraine. The plan includes a gradual ceasefire, elections in Ukraine, and a final peace agreement, Fox News reported, citing informed sources.

According to the proposed plan, the first step will be to establish a ceasefire between the opposing sides. After that, it is expected that elections will be organized and held in Ukraine, the purpose of which is to form legitimate authorities. The final stage will be the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement designed to resolve the conflict and ensure long-term stability in the region.

However, this initiative is causing concern among the Ukrainian leadership and European allies. There is a fear that US President Donald Trump may conclude an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on terms unfavorable for Ukraine. In particular, Kyiv has expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the proposed plan without providing additional security guarantees. Advisor to the President of Ukraine Dmitry Lytvyn emphasized that simply establishing a ceasefire and holding elections is not enough to prevent attacks from Russia in the future. He noted the need for a more comprehensive approach, including clear mechanisms for ensuring security and preventing a recurrence of the conflict.

At the same time, during the talks in Riyadh, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an agreement with the Russian side to restore the number of diplomatic personnel in the embassies of both countries in Moscow and Washington. Rubio emphasized that the full functioning of diplomatic missions is a prerequisite for maintaining effective channels of communication and further negotiations on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine.

Despite the agreements reached, a number of unresolved issues remain. In particular, Russia insists on NATO's official refusal to accept Ukraine into its ranks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in turn, claims that only full membership in NATO can guarantee the country's independence and security.