The U.S. and Russia will hold more talks on ending the war in Ukraine, despite Kyiv’s exclusion and European concerns over U.S. concessions to Moscow. Russia hardened its stance, demanding NATO formally withdraw its 2008 pledge to admit Ukraine.
The meeting in Riyadh brought together U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for 4.5 hours of talks, marking the first direct U.S.-Russia negotiations on the war.
"A refusal to accept Kyiv into NATO is not enough. The alliance must formally disavow its 2008 Bucharest pledge."
– Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry
Moscow also rejected any form of NATO peacekeeping presence in Ukraine, even under alternative banners such as the European Union.
"This is unacceptable to us."
– Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister
Ukraine and European leaders fear that Trump’s administration may strike a quick deal with Russia at Ukraine’s expense.
"There must be no decision over the heads of Ukraine."
– Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor
"February 2025 shows us that the Americans no longer feel responsible for European security – and that their interests are fundamentally different from ours."
– Jana Puglierin, European Council on Foreign Relations
Both Trump and Putin have expressed interest in a direct meeting, but no date has been set. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Washington and Moscow will continue.
"There is high interest in lifting economic barriers," Lavrov said, referring to Western sanctions on Russia.
However, U.S. officials remain cautious, with Rubio stating:
"The European Union will have to be at the table, because they have sanctions as well."
With Ukraine excluded from initial discussions, questions remain over how negotiations will unfold. The U.S. shift in diplomacy raises concerns about the future of NATO, European security, and Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Russian President Vladimir Putin that cooperation between their countries is vital for regional stability. In a phone call, he reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for peace in Ukraine, safe navigation in the Black Sea, and Syria’s territorial integrity.
A severe cyberattack disabled Ukraine’s online railway ticketing system on Monday, causing extensive queues and disruptions, with Kyiv officials attributing the incident to a possible Russian attempt to destabilise the nation.
Ukrainian and U.S. officials held discussions on Sunday regarding proposals to protect Ukraine's energy facilities and critical infrastructure. The meeting in Saudi Arabia is part of U.S. President Donald Trump's diplomatic drive aimed at ending the ongoing three-year conflict.
Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia launched 214 drones in an overnight attack, targeting multiple regions across Ukraine. Air defenses intercepted many of the UAVs, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
A drone attack on the Ukrainian city of Kropyvnytskyi on March 19 caused significant damage to infrastructure, while Ukrainian and Russian forces clashed in various regions.
Ramadan, a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is celebrated uniquely around the world. From vibrant lanterns in Egypt to communal feasts in Turkey, discover the diverse customs that make Ramadan a global celebration of faith.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing more than 1,644 people and leaving 2,300 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres responds to discussions on a potential temporary administration in Ukraine, reaffirming the presence of a legitimate government and clarifying the UN’s role in mediation efforts.
Suicide bomber targets a political protest rally in Balochistan, Pakistan. No civilian casualties reported; the attacker was killed.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots, monitoring a Chinese navy warship as it navigated Australian waters, were alerted to a live-fire exercise via a civilian radio broadcast, defense officials revealed on Tuesday.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing more than 1,644 people and leaving 2,300 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
As the world shifts toward clean energy at an ever-accelerating pace, large economies are scrambling to secure reliable supply chains for rare earth minerals. These minerals, once seen as mere industrial components, have become a political tool in the global power struggle
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
A devastating overnight drone attack on Kyiv, attributed to Russian forces, resulted in the deaths of three people, including a five-year-old child, and left ten others injured.
Ramadan, a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is celebrated uniquely around the world. From vibrant lanterns in Egypt to communal feasts in Turkey, discover the diverse customs that make Ramadan a global celebration of faith.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing more than 1,644 people and leaving 2,300 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres responds to discussions on a potential temporary administration in Ukraine, reaffirming the presence of a legitimate government and clarifying the UN’s role in mediation efforts.
Suicide bomber targets a political protest rally in Balochistan, Pakistan. No civilian casualties reported; the attacker was killed.
Ramadan, a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is celebrated uniquely around the world. From vibrant lanterns in Egypt to communal feasts in Turkey, discover the diverse customs that make Ramadan a global celebration of faith.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing more than 1,644 people and leaving 2,300 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres responds to discussions on a potential temporary administration in Ukraine, reaffirming the presence of a legitimate government and clarifying the UN’s role in mediation efforts.
Suicide bomber targets a political protest rally in Balochistan, Pakistan. No civilian casualties reported; the attacker was killed.
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