UnusualWhales

In the first sign of a positive response from President Vladimir Putin to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for a ceasefire, the proposal was conveyed during last month’s talks in Saudi Arabia between senior Russian and American officials, according to sources who requested anonymity while discussing internal policy.

For hostilities to cease, there must be a clear understanding of the framework principles for a final peace agreement, two individuals with knowledge of the discussions said. Russia, in particular, will insist on defining the parameters of a future peacekeeping mission, including agreement on which nations would participate, another person familiar with the matter added.

WATCH: President Donald Trump says he believes President Vladimir Putin wants peace in Ukraine.

Details of the proposal emerged as the U.S. and Ukraine prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia next week for their first direct talks since Trump’s Oval Office confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that the meeting aims to establish “a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire.”

Speaking from the Oval Office later on Friday, Trump reiterated his push for a deal to end the war and expressed confidence that Putin is open to one. “I think he’s going to be more generous than he has to be,” Trump told reporters.

“I think we’re doing very well with Russia,” he said. “But right now, they’re bombing the hell out of Ukraine.”

He added, “Frankly, I’m finding it more difficult to deal with Ukraine than Russia.”

His remarks followed a social media post earlier Friday in which he threatened new sanctions and tariffs on Russia to pressure the Kremlin into agreeing to a peace deal.

Meanwhile, Zelenskiy, in his daily video address, said, “Today, the most intensive discussions ever with President Trump’s team have been taking place all day at various levels.”

“The topic is clear: peace as soon as possible, security as reliable as possible,” he continued. “Ukraine is very constructive.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

WATCH: Russia is willing to discuss a temporary truce in Ukraine if progress is made toward a final peace settlement, according to sources in Moscow.

Russia has made it clear that it will not accept NATO troops on Ukrainian soil, rejecting a proposal by European nations to form a “coalition of the willing” to oversee a potential peace agreement. However, it does not oppose the deployment of forces from countries like China, which have remained neutral in the conflict, according to two sources.

Since taking office on January 20, Trump has reversed U.S. policy on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in an effort to bring a swift end to the three-year-long war, the deadliest conflict in Europe in 80 years.