The Russian government has announced recent advancements in Ukraine’s Sumy region and Russia’s Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his full commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue with United States representatives ahead of upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at finding a resolution to Russia’s war on Ukraine.
United States and Ukrainian negotiators are scheduled to meet in Jeddah on Tuesday to work towards securing a ceasefire and establishing a peace agreement framework under the Trump administration. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defence reported the capture of several villages in Sumy and Kursk.
Although Kyiv has not yet responded to Russia’s claim of capturing Novenke, analysts suggest that this advancement may potentially impact a significant Ukrainian supply route. In his address on Sunday, Zelenskyy praised Ukrainian units for their resilience in fighting off the occupier’s attacks and defending their positions.
The US had previously cut off intelligence sharing, satellite data access, and aid to Ukraine following a disagreement with Zelenskyy, aiming to pressure Kyiv into negotiating an end to Russia’s invasion. European leaders have pledged their support to Ukraine against Russian threats, while Washington has expressed reservations about Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.
Zelenskyy confirmed plans to visit Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with Ukrainian officials meeting with US representatives on Tuesday. US envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are also set to engage in discussions with their Ukrainian counterparts during their time in Saudi Arabia.
The upcoming meetings mark the first high-level gathering between US and Ukrainian officials since the contentious meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump at the White House in February. Rubio emphasized Trump’s desire to end the war in Ukraine promptly during his conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
