Ukrainian President Zelensky will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of crucial peace talks with US officials in Jeddah regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. The discussions are set against recent military advances by Russia and uncertainty in US military aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the ongoing complexities in achieving a resolution.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, prior to significant peace talks in Jeddah aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This meeting is critical as both Ukrainian and US officials will be discussing strategies to end the war, amidst ongoing hostilities and complexities in negotiations.

The upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia are positioned as improvements over previous unsuccessful discussions. However, there remains uncertainty regarding their effectiveness, especially since US President Donald Trump has indicated a hesitance to reinstate military aid to Ukraine, following reports from FRANCE 24’s Emmanuelle Chaze.

Recent developments on the battlefield show that Russia is making advances in the Kursk region, with reports indicating the recapture of significant villages by Russian forces. This territory was initially considered by Ukraine as leverage for the forthcoming diplomatic discussions, as reported by FRANCE 24’s Vedika Bahl and Nicholas Rushworth.

The Ukrainian military reported a significant drone attack from Russia, with 130 out of 176 launched drones intercepted overnight, indicating an ongoing strategic aerial conflict. The military’s statement also mentioned effective countermeasures that disrupted the effectiveness of 42 additional drones.

On the ground, Russian forces continue their encirclement operations in Kursk, intending to force Ukrainian troops to either withdraw or surrender. Reports indicate that pro-Russian bloggers have detailed recent successes in the region.

Additionally, Ukraine has carried out drone strikes in Russia’s Samara region, resulting in extensive damage to a warehouse. Emergency services reported there were no injuries, although the state-run media cited the governor as acknowledging the assault’s targeting of critical facilities.

Zelensky’s visit to Saudi Arabia comes at a pivotal time, given the shifting situation in US support for Ukraine. Previously a steadfast ally, the US has now shown intentions to pursue direct engagement with Moscow, alongside reduced military assistance. During this visit, Zelensky is expected to discuss potential mediation from Saudi Arabia, which has undertaken numerous roles since the outset of the Russian invasion.

In recent developments: President Trump announced a near-completion of a suspension of intelligence sharing with Ukraine, while German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz expressed interest in discussions about joint nuclear sharing arrangements with France and Britain, although underscored as a supplement to US protection.

In conclusion, President Zelensky’s imminent meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is significant as Ukraine engages in high-stakes peace talks with US officials in Jeddah. Amidst advancements by Russian forces and the US’s wavering support, this diplomatic engagement may prove crucial for negotiating a resolution to the ongoing conflict. The situation remains fluid with active military operations demonstrating the challenges faced.

Original Source: www.france24.com

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