Overview

• Talks mediated by the U.S. are set to begin in Saudi Arabia on March 24, focusing on a truce to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.
• Russia has expressed cautious optimism for progress, while Ukraine remains open to a broader ceasefire, though this is unlikely due to Russian demands.
• Recent Russian drone strikes killed three civilians in Zaporijjia and two in Kiev, with Ukrainian retaliatory strikes injuring six in Russian territory.
• European leaders, excluded from the Saudi talks, plan a separate summit in Paris to reaffirm support for Ukraine and discuss further aid.
• The Kremlin has tempered expectations for the talks, emphasizing complexities and raising additional topics like grain export agreements.