Ukraine conducted a significant drone attack on Russia before U.S. talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Russian authorities reported intercepting the drones, resulting in casualties. The discussions involve key U.S. officials who aim to assess Ukraine’s needs and the potential for a ceasefire while Russia demands acknowledgment of occupied territories.
Ukraine launched a large-scale drone offensive against Russia just hours prior to significant discussions with the United States aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict that has persisted for three years. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its air defenses intercepted 337 Ukrainian drones, resulting in two fatalities and 18 injuries, with the attack affecting ten Russian regions. Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, characterized this assault as the most substantial against the city since the conflict began.
Discussions commenced in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a U.S. delegation including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. These negotiations represent an opportunity for Ukraine to mend relations with the U.S. following tensions that arose during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House concerning a rare earth mineral agreement.
Ukrainian officials intend to propose a ceasefire in the Black Sea, aimed at ensuring safer shipping, alongside addressing long-range missile strikes that have adversely impacted civilians in Ukraine, and the potential release of prisoners. Rubio emphasized that the U.S. delegation seeks to engage in dialogue without imposing specific conditions, stating their goal is to gauge Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate and then assess differences with the Russian stance.
President Zelenskyy is not expected to partake directly in the U.S. discussions. In a recent statement, former President Trump expressed a desire for peace, noting that Ukraine has not demonstrated sufficient commitment toward achieving this objective. Conversely, the Kremlin remains firm on prerequisites for peace, demanding that Ukraine renounce its NATO aspirations and acknowledge the territories it occupies, which constitute nearly 20% of Ukraine’s land.
The events illustrate the ongoing complexities of the negotiations and military actions entwined in Ukraine’s pursuit of support and resolution.
The recent drone attack by Ukraine on Russia underscores the heightened tensions as crucial talks with the United States are underway in Saudi Arabia. These discussions are pivotal for Ukraine to rekindle military support from Washington, especially following previous conflicts. The proposed ceasefire and negotiation conditions reveal the complexity of the crisis, with Russia maintaining stringent demands. Overall, the situation remains dynamic, reflecting the urgent need for diplomatic engagement.
Original Source: news3lv.com
