Both Russia and the United States were cautious in evaluating the results of the round of talks that brought their representatives together yesterday in Geneva, amid continued friction between them over several files;
Most notably the crisis between Ukraine and Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow does not yet see reason to be optimistic about the results of Russian-US talks on security guarantees.
He added that there is nothing to be said about the result so far, there are several other rounds to come that will allow for a clearer understanding and will provide a clear picture, but it is not possible now - unfortunately - to draw any other conclusions.
However, a Russian source familiar with the Geneva negotiations file told the Russian Interfax news agency that Washington pledged during the meeting to respond in writing to Moscow's proposals regarding security guarantees next week.
The source stressed that Moscow wants a clear response regarding its security concerns, especially with regard to the non-extension of NATO to the east near its borders.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that her country is waiting for a quick and practical response to its proposals regarding security guarantees.
Zakharova expressed Moscow's regret over the statements of White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki, noting that her statements reflect a lack of understanding of what took place in the negotiations between the two parties in Geneva, and show that the American leadership is represented by people who are not well acquainted with the subject, which offends Washington itself, and shows its unwillingness To delve into the agreement and deal with reality, she said.
US assessment of the talks
On the other hand, the US assessment of the Geneva talks did not go out of the context of caution about the results, as the White House said this evening that it is too early to know whether the Russian side is ready to negotiate seriously and in good faith.
Earlier, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said that the Geneva talks with Russia marked the beginning of a diplomatic process between the two countries, and that he did not expect a breakthrough during them, calling for the withdrawal of Russian forces from the border with Ukraine to their permanent bases.
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki described the US-Russian talks as frank and direct, noting that Russia and its president have two paths: either diplomacy or escalation.
Wendy Sherman, US Deputy Secretary of State - who led her country's delegation to the talks yesterday - said that her country offered to complete the talks with Russia later.
She explained that the Russian side told her that its crowds on the Ukrainian border were not intended to invade, but rather to conduct military exercises.
She added that Washington will complete its consultations with its partners on Ukraine, and that it will provide opportunity and time for diplomacy, but it will not accept that Russia has a "veto" against any country joining NATO.
Ukraine: It's time to end the conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his country is ready to take what he called the necessary decisions to end the war with the pro-Russian (east of the country).
Zelensky stressed that the time has come for an agreement to end the conflict, and that he is ready to take the necessary decisions at a new summit that brings him together with the leaders of France, Germany and Russia to this end.
The director of the Ukrainian president's office said - in a statement - that Ukraine wants to agree on measures such as implementing a ceasefire and more prisoner exchanges.