 "Zelensky says Russia has ‘no intention to end war’ as Kyiv reels from deadly drone strike")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday accused Russia of having “no intention to end the war” after a large-scale drone and missile strike hit Kyiv. The attack caused multiple explosions in the capital, killing one person, injuring around two dozen others, and cutting off heating and electricity for hundreds of thousands amid freezing winter conditions.
Zelensky reiterated on Sunday that Moscow was prolonging the conflict as delegations from Kyiv and Washington gathered in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential ceasefire. “Russia is the only one dragging this war out,” he said in his evening video address. “Since March 11, a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table – these attacks could have already stopped. But it is Russia that continues all this,” he added, referring to the recent surge in drone attacks.
Ceasefire talks and Russian preconditions
Kyiv agreed on March 11 to a 30-day ceasefire plan proposed by the United States, contingent on Moscow’s compliance. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has set several preconditions, including a demand that the West halt all military aid to Ukraine.
“Without pressure on Russia, those in Moscow will continue to show contempt for real diplomacy and keep destroying lives,” Zelensky said.
Meetings in Saudi Arabia
Ukrainian and US representatives held initial talks in Riyadh on Sunday. “The talks were constructive and informative – we discussed important issues, especially in the energy sector,” Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov wrote on Facebook.
Umerov noted that the Ukrainian delegation included energy experts as well as military representatives from naval and air divisions, with a focus on protecting energy facilities and critical infrastructure.
“The work of delegations continues,” Zelensky added. “But no matter what we’re discussing with our partners, Putin must be pushed to issue a real order to stop the strikes – because the one who brought this war must be the one to take it back.”
US push for rapid resolution
US President Donald Trump has been pressing for a swift end to the nearly three-year conflict, with hopes that the Riyadh talks could lead to a breakthrough. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism.
“I think you’re going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. From that, you’ll naturally gravitate to a full-on shooting ceasefire,” he told Fox News.
Kremlin tempers expectations
The Kremlin, however, downplayed the prospect of a quick resolution. “We are only at the beginning of this path,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that many questions remain over how a potential ceasefire might be implemented.
Putin has rejected a joint US-Ukrainian call for a full and immediate 30-day pause, offering instead a halt in attacks only on energy facilities. Peskov said the main focus of talks with the US would be the possible resumption of the 2022 Black Sea grain deal, which ensured safe Ukrainian exports via the Black Sea. Moscow withdrew from the deal in 2023, accusing the West of failing to ease sanctions on Russia’s farm exports and fertilisers.
Quick Reads
View AllFresh attacks ahead of talks
On the eve of the negotiations, both sides carried out new drone strikes. Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian drone attack in Kyiv killed three civilians, including a five-year-old girl and her father, while Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 147 drones.
Russia said it intercepted nearly 60 Ukrainian drones overnight. One man in southern Russia’s Rostov region died when his car caught fire from falling drone debris, and a woman was killed in Belgorod.
Meanwhile, Ukraine claimed a small battlefield victory by capturing a village in the eastern Luhansk region, a rare success for Kyiv’s forces.
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