State Department reiterates focus on ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia and Black Sea discussions; declines to preview post‑ceasefire outcomes

At a State Department briefing, the spokesperson, Tammy, said U.S. diplomats are concentrating on achieving a full ceasefire in Ukraine and that technical negotiations in Saudi Arabia include discussions about restoring commercial activity in the Black Sea.

Tammy urged reporters to focus on the “end result” — a full ceasefire — and said she would not speculate publicly about arrangements that could follow a cessation of hostilities. “Until there is a ceasefire, that's when... we can then discuss the differences and what proceeds after that when it comes to an enduring peace,” she said.

When a reporter asked whether the United States viewed Russian annexations as legitimate, the spokesperson said she would not speculate on private diplomatic discussions and reiterated that the administration’s priority is “to secure the peace of that region” and to encourage negotiations that produce an agreed outcome.

A later question referenced an attack on Ukraine’s Sumy region in which a reporter said residential buildings and hospitals were hit and gave preliminary casualty figures. Tammy condemned the impact on civilians and said the work to secure a ceasefire is intended to stop such attacks.

The briefing emphasized diplomatic engagement across multiple countries and forums, and the spokesperson said both Russia and Ukraine would need to make compromises in technical negotiations currently under way. The department did not announce new measures or provide further details about the content of the Saudi talks.