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.

The U.S. said it would help Russia boost agricultural exports and restore its access to payments systems, after the Kremlin demanded the easing of Western sanctions in return for a cease-fire in the Black Sea.

RIYADH (Reuters) - Ukrainian and U.S. delegations are scheduled to meet on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia following Russia-U.S. talks there a day earlier on a limited Black Sea ceasefire proposal that Washington hopes will open the way for broader peace negotiations.