Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday ahead of high-stakes talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials, as Washington seeks substantial progress toward ending Ukraine’s war with Russia.
The first official talks between Ukraine and the Trump administration are set for Tuesday, following a tense Oval Office encounter between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump last month.
Trump has halted military aid and engaged directly with Moscow, pressuring Kyiv to consider a "realistic peace". U.S. officials say the meeting will gauge Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia.
U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, saying the talks could set a framework for a ceasefire and peace deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was more cautious, emphasizing that success could come even without an immediate agreement.
Zelenskyy has ruled out attending Tuesday’s talks, sending his chief of staff, foreign and defense ministers, and top military officials instead. In a post on X, he stressed Ukraine’s commitment to "constructive dialogue", urging swift and effective decisions.
As U.S. support wavers, Kyiv is pushing for a minerals deal with Washington, aimed at securing continued backing. However, Ukraine remains under growing battlefield pressure, with its troops in Russia’s Kursk region nearly surrounded and Russian forces intensifying strikes across the country.
Moscow has dismissed ceasefire proposals from Ukraine, Britain, and France, insisting they are attempts to buy time for Kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s European allies face increased pressure to step up their support as Russia continues its offensive.
Read next
19:30
Energy Tensions
Russia’s defense ministry has accused Ukraine of carrying out four separate attacks on its energy facilities within a 24-hour period, alleging violations of a U.S.-brokered moratorium aimed at preventing strikes on each other’s critical energy infrastructure.
18:30
Sporting Celebration
Sporting legends, rising stars, and international guests gathered in Madrid for the 24th Laureus World Sports Awards, where the global sporting community came together to celebrate a year of exceptional achievements, inspiring moments, and the unifying power of sport.
17:30
Court Proceedings
South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office, appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday to attend the second hearing in his ongoing criminal trial, where he faces serious charges of insurrection.
17:00
Deadly Strikes
A U.S. airstrike on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port has killed at least 74 people and injured 171 others, marking the deadliest known attack in President Trump’s renewed campaign against Houthi rebels and raising alarm over the widening scope of the conflict.
16:30
Nuclear Deals
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has signaled that a nuclear agreement with the United States remains within reach, provided Washington adopts a realistic and constructive approach ahead of the second round of negotiations with the Trump administration.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment