Ukraine launched a significant drone attack on Russia shortly before U.S.-Ukrainian talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict. The attack was reported as the largest on Moscow, prompting discussions on a potential ceasefire and other peace measures. The Kremlin’s conditions and the U.S. response will be crucial in determining the future of the conflict.
Ukraine recently executed a large-scale drone assault on Russia, coinciding with critical discussions with the United States in Saudi Arabia regarding the ongoing conflict. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its defenses intercepted 337 Ukrainian drones, resulting in two fatalities and 18 injuries across ten regions within Russia. The mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, characterized this assault as the most significant to target the city since the onset of the war.
The diplomatic talks commenced Tuesday in Jeddah, featuring U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. These discussions provide an opportunity for Ukraine to mend its relations with the Trump administration after previous disagreements arose during President Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House in late February concerning a rare earth mineral deal.
Ukrainian representatives indicated plans to propose a ceasefire that would enhance security in shipping routes across the Black Sea. They also aim to address long-range missile attacks affecting civilians and facilitate the exchange of prisoners. Secretary Rubio clarified that the U.S. delegation would refrain from presenting specific conditions to conclude the ongoing conflict, stating, “I think we want to listen to see how far they’re willing to go and then compare that to what the Russians want and see how far apart we truly are.”
Although President Zelenskyy will not participate directly in the U.S. talks, Donald Trump expressed on Sunday his desire for Ukraine to fully pursue peace, suggesting that they have yet to demonstrate sufficient commitment to that aim. The Kremlin, for its part, has refrained from offering concessions; they have stated readiness to halt hostilities if Ukraine abandons its NATO aspirations and recognizes Russian-occupied territories as part of Russia. Since the war’s commencement, Russia has seized nearly 20% of Ukrainian land.
The recent drone attack by Ukraine reflects the heightened tensions in the region as critical talks with the United States unfold in Saudi Arabia. While Ukraine seeks to propose measures to secure a ceasefire and mend relations with the U.S., the Kremlin maintains a firm stance on its territorial demands and NATO conditions. The outcome of these negotiations may play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of Ukraine-Russia relations.
Original Source: news3lv.com