International
US, Ukraine Hold Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia as Russian Strikes Continue
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US and Ukraine held peace talks in Saudi Arabia on protecting infrastructure and discussing a partial truce.
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Zelenskyy urged more pressure on Russia to stop attacks and end the war.
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Russian drone strikes killed seven in Ukraine, including a child in Kyiv.
Delegations from the United States and Ukraine held talks in Saudi Arabia over the weekend as part of peace negotiations facilitated by US President Donald Trump’s administration.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who led Kyiv’s delegation in Riyadh, described the discussions as “productive” after they concluded late Sunday.
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Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation in a televised statement, noting the talks were constructive. “The conversation is quite useful; the work of the delegations is continuing,” he said. However, he added, “No matter what we say to our partners today, we need [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to issue a real order to stop the strikes. Whoever started this war must end it.”
Umerov revealed that discussions focused on protecting energy infrastructure and other critical facilities from attacks. However, the scope of a potential partial truce remains a contentious issue, with Kyiv and Moscow proposing differing terms.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed cautious optimism during an appearance on Fox News, suggesting that Putin may be seeking a peaceful resolution. “I don’t believe he wants to take all of Europe,” Witkoff said. Russian and US delegations are expected to meet separately in Riyadh on Monday.
Meanwhile, Russia launched overnight drone attacks on Ukraine that left at least seven people dead. President Zelenskyy again urged Western allies to increase pressure on Moscow to halt its offensive ahead of the peace talks.
In Kyiv, a drone strike killed three people, including a five-year-old child, and injured 10 others, according to the city’s military administration. In the Donetsk region, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported four deaths, including three civilians in Dobropillya, a front-line town.
Ukraine’s Air Force stated that Russia launched 147 drones overnight, with 97 intercepted and 25 failing to reach their targets.
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Zelenskyy condemned the continued barrage, writing on social media: “This week alone, over 1,580 guided aerial bombs, nearly 1,100 strike drones, and 15 missiles of various types have targeted our people. New measures and increased pressure on Moscow are essential to halt these attacks and end this war.”
In response, Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed its forces “destroyed and intercepted” 59 Ukrainian drones, primarily over the Rostov and Astrakhan regions.
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