24 Mar, 20:32Updated at: 20:43

Parties close to ceasefire in Ukraine, US diplomat says

According to US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, US was particularly working with Russia and Ukraine on ensuring a ceasefire in the Black Sea

WASHINGTON, March 24. /TASS/. The parties are close to a ceasefire in Ukraine, including in the Black Sea, US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

"We are close to that. This is what's fascinating. We've never been closer, a breath away from a full ceasefire," she said, adding that the US was particularly working with Russia and Ukraine on ensuring a ceasefire in the Black Sea. After that, in her words, the parties will be able to start discussing other issues.

Bruce added that in Riyadh, the parties had discussed "broadening the ceasefire to the Black Sea" as the United States saw the need "to fully restore peaceful commercial activity" in the region. According to the diplomat, communication on the issue is underway with both Russia and Ukraine.

Speaking about a future peace agreement, Bruce stated that "both sides will have to make compromises.".

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