Moscow claims it has taken control of territory just before potential peace talks commence in Saudi Arabia.
Moscow stated that it has made new advancements in Ukraine’s Sumy region and Russia’s Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his full commitment to engaging in a constructive dialogue with United States representatives before the talks in Saudi Arabia to address the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
US and Ukrainian delegates are scheduled to meet in the Red Sea city of Jeddah on Tuesday, with the Trump administration aiming to secure a ceasefire and establish a peace agreement framework.
Despite the upcoming negotiations, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced that its forces had “liberated” the village of Novenke in Sumy and recaptured several other villages in Kursk. Russia briefly occupied parts of Sumy at the beginning of its invasion in 2022 but has not taken any territory there since.
Kyiv has not responded to Russia’s claim of capturing Novenke, which could potentially disrupt a major Ukrainian supply route.
Zelenskyy praised Ukrainian units for their efforts in repelling the occupier and defending their positions. He emphasized the importance of strong front-line positions to support diplomatic negotiations.
Who’s meeting who
The US suspended Ukraine’s access to intelligence sharing, satellite data, and aid following disagreements with Zelenskyy, in an effort to push for negotiations to end Russia’s invasion.
Zelenskyy incurred Trump’s displeasure by rejecting a mineral deal and requesting a US security guarantee. The Trump administration has not committed to this and has called on Europe to increase aid to Ukraine.
European leaders have pledged support to Ukraine against Russian threats and agreed to enhance defense spending. Meanwhile, Washington has cast doubt on Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.
Zelenskyy confirmed his visit to Saudi Arabia next week and disclosed plans for meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US officials. Realistic proposals for peace are on the table, according to the Ukrainian president.
US envoy Steve Witkoff will discuss an “initial ceasefire” and a longer agreement framework with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia for talks with Ukrainian counterparts and to strengthen US-Saudi Arabian relations.
Rubio spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and stated Trump’s intention to end the war in Ukraine promptly.
This gathering marks the first high-level meeting between US and Ukrainian officials since the contentious February 28 meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump, which ended abruptly.
