The article details upcoming US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at a ceasefire for the Ukraine war. President Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for a direct order from Putin to cease attacks. Despite optimism from US officials, the Kremlin dampens hopes for a swift resolution amid ongoing violence and drone strikes across Ukraine.

Current live coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war highlights key developments as talks are scheduled between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia. Washington anticipates constructive advancements toward a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, while Moscow cautioned that negotiations will be challenging. The discussions follow fruitful talks on energy security between US and Ukrainian officials, indicating a collaborative approach moving forward.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the talks as productive but insisted that a concrete order from President Putin is essential to halt the attacks. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov tempered expectations of a swift resolution, indicating that the negotiation process has just begun. Reports suggest the US aims for a ceasefire by April 20, although disparities between Kyiv and Moscow’s positions may affect this timeline.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism regarding the meeting in Saudi Arabia, forecasting potential progress in establishing a ceasefire in the Black Sea region as a precursor to broader agreements. He dismissed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call for peacekeepers in Ukraine as simplistic, arguing that historical contexts differ significantly from past conflicts. Witkoff further downplayed fears that Putin may seek to expand his military endeavors across Europe, suggesting the current situation has evolved dramatically from World War II.

In the ongoing conflict, recent strikes have resulted in multiple casualties across Ukraine. Reports indicate that at least seven individuals were killed by drone attacks in Kyiv and surrounding regions, amidst extensive air raid alerts. Despite these assaults, Ukraine’s air force successfully intercepted a considerable number of Russian drones, although some did reach their intended targets.

Additionally, Ukraine’s state railway system experienced a targeted cyber-attack, prompting ongoing restoration efforts while maintaining stability in train operations. On the ground, military movements include reports of Russian forces capturing a small village in Donetsk and Ukrainian troops reclaiming a village in Luhansk, showcasing the continued volatility of the situation.

The current developments in the Russia-Ukraine war underscore the complexity of diplomatic negotiations, as talks between the US and Russia signify a pursuit of a ceasefire amid ongoing violence. The engagement illustrates a blend of hope for progress and acknowledgment of entrenched challenges, particularly the necessity of concrete commitments from both sides. Additionally, the conflict continues to inflict human casualties and cyber threats, highlighting the urgent need for resolution.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com

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