US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss a possible ceasefire in the Black Sea. The talks, which lasted all day, aimed to find a way to stop attacks on ships and ensure safe trade routes. The meeting is part of US efforts to push for peace between Russia and Ukraine.
Even as the discussions took place, Russia launched missile strikes in northeastern Ukraine. A hospital and a school were damaged in Sumy, injuring at least 88 people. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, accusing Russia of talking about peace while continuing its war.
A source from the White House said that progress was made in the talks and that a “positive announcement” might come soon. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that no official documents would be signed.
US President Donald Trump, who has taken a less aggressive stance on Russia than his predecessor Joe Biden, said that discussions also included issues such as territorial disputes and power plant ownership. However, last week, Russia rejected Trump’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
The US hopes that securing a maritime truce will be a first step toward broader peace talks. However, European leaders remain doubtful that Russian President Vladimir Putin will agree to real compromises. Putin has stated that Ukraine must give up its NATO ambitions and withdraw from four occupied regions before peace can be discussed.
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