Ukraine Launches Drone Attack on Russia Ahead of Key U.S. Talks

The article reports on Ukraine’s large-scale drone attack on Russia shortly before key U.S.-Ukraine negotiations in Saudi Arabia. The attack resulted in two deaths and injuries, marking a significant escalation. The article highlights the U.S. officials’ aim to restore relations with Kyiv, while outlining Ukraine’s proposal for a ceasefire. Russia’s conditions for peace complicate the negotiations further.

Ukraine conducted a substantial drone assault on Russia just prior to critical negotiations with the United States aimed at resolving its ongoing conflict. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its forces intercepted 337 drones and that the attack resulted in two fatalities and 18 injuries across ten regions. Moscow’s mayor characterized this as the largest assault on the city since the onset of hostilities.

The U.S. and Ukrainian discussions commenced in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, featuring prominent officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. This meeting represents an attempt by Kyiv to mend relations with the U.S., particularly following tensions from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington in February regarding a rare earth minerals agreement.

A key objective for Ukraine is to convince Washington to lift the suspension of military assistance and intelligence sharing imposed following recent disputes. Ukrainian representatives indicated plans to propose a ceasefire in the Black Sea, which aims to enhance maritime safety, alongside requests for long-range missile strikes and the release of prisoners.

During his travels to Jeddah, Rubio stated that the U.S. delegation would refrain from suggesting specific conditions to end the conflict, emphasizing a desire to listen to Ukraine’s proposals and assess the divergence from Russian expectations. President Zelenskyy will not be participating directly in these discussions.

Former President Trump expressed his desire for peace, noting that Ukraine has not demonstrated a commitment to achieving it to the necessary extent. Meanwhile, Russia remains steadfast, offering to cease hostilities only if Ukraine abandons its NATO ambitions and acknowledges occupation of certain territories, which account for nearly twenty percent of Ukraine’s land.

In summary, Ukraine’s recent drone strike on Russia coincided with crucial U.S.-Ukraine negotiations in Saudi Arabia aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Talks feature key U.S. officials who seek to mend relations with Kyiv, while Ukraine proposes a ceasefire to secure better conditions. However, Russia conditions any ceasefire on specific demands, and the path to peace remains fraught with challenges and differing expectations from both parties.

Original Source: news3lv.com