On the one hand, Russian forces are strangling the Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, having liberated 12 settlements and over 100 square kilometers of territory, the Defense Ministry announced.
Meanwhile, Kiev launched its largest drone attack against Russia so far, but images posted on social media reveal it only struck civilian targets, with no visible strategic or tactical gains.
The Ukrainians hope to regain U.S. ties after Zelensky lit himself on fire in the Oval Office in front of all the press.
Kiev is now suggesting an initial semi-truce with Russia ‘in the air and at sea.’
Reuters reported:
“The proposal is aimed at demonstrating he is working towards Trump’s objective to end the war at lightning speed, after the U.S. president accused the Ukrainian leader of not being ready for peace and pressed on with direct talks with Russia.”
The Trump administration has stopped military assistance and paused intelligence sharing with Kiev until they show real intention of pursuing peace.
“Trump has framed the deal, which is set to be discussed on Tuesday, as key to continued U.S. support and compensation for many billions of dollars in U.S. military aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded three years ago.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “We have to understand the Ukrainian position and just have a general idea of what concessions they’d be willing to make, because you’re not going to get a ceasefire and an end to this war unless both sides make concessions.”
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has said that he was hopeful the US-Ukraine minerals deal would be signed soon. Witkoff plans to visit Moscow to meet President Vladimir Putin, with reports saying he may travel to Moscow on Thursday.
“’The Russians can’t conquer all of Ukraine, and obviously it’ll be very difficult for Ukraine in any reasonable time period to sort of force the Russians back all the way to where they were in 2014’, [Rubio] told reporters.”
This story is unfolding, and we will bring you developments as they happen.
Read more:
Secretary Rubio in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for Tomorrow’s ‘Make or Break’ Peace Talks With Ukraine
The post US-Ukraine Peace Talks Begin in Jeddah as War Rages on the Ground, With Major Russian Offensive in Kursk Region and Kiev’s Largest Drone Attack of the War appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.