U.S.-Ukraine Peace Talks Begin in Saudi Arabia Amid Drone Attack on Russia

Senior delegations from Ukraine and the United States convened in Saudi Arabia today for high-stakes talks on ending Ukraine’s three-year war with Russia. The meeting came just hours after Russia reported a massive drone attack, with its air defenses shooting down 337 Ukrainian drones across 10 regions.

Russian officials said two people were killed and 18 injured in the attack, including three children, though no large-scale damage was reported.

The talks, held in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, brought together U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior Ukrainian officials. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister was present at the discussions as well.

The Jeddah talks mark a renewed diplomatic effort following a tense exchange between Washington and Kyiv during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s February 28 visit to the White House. Ukrainian officials told The Associated Press on Monday that they plan to propose a ceasefire in the Black Sea to ensure safer shipping routes, an end to long-range missile strikes targeting civilians, and the release of prisoners.

Moscow, however, has yet to signal any willingness to compromise. The Kremlin has maintained that it would only agree to a ceasefire if Ukraine abandons its NATO ambitions and formally recognizes Russian control over occupied territories.