US Mediates Ukraine-Russia Talks as Russian Drone Strikes Escalate

Separate negotiations in Saudi Arabia coincide with intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians, raising concerns over a potential ceasefire's implications.

US-mediated peace talks between Ukraine and Russia have begun in Saudi Arabia, with separate sessions for each side aimed at exploring a potential ceasefire.
Russian drone attacks on Kyiv killed at least three people, including a five-year-old child, and injured ten others, highlighting the ongoing violence.
Discussions include proposals for a 30-day pause in attacks on energy infrastructure and the creation of a demilitarized buffer zone, though no agreements have been reached.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed fears that a ceasefire could lead to a divided Ukraine, drawing comparisons to the Berlin Wall.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has expressed optimism about progress but faces skepticism, particularly in Europe, over Russia's intensified targeting of civilian areas.