Zelenskyy Calls on Allies to Ramp Up Pressure on Russia Before Talks

The United States remains hopeful regarding the crucial discussions in Saudi Arabia that seek to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine, although both Kiev and Moscow appear more skeptical.

On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Ukraine’s partners to impose additional pressure on Russia to halt the conflict.

The announcement followed approximately 150 Russian drone attacks on Kyiv and various Ukrainian cities during the night, resulting in at least seven fatalities.

"Fresh decisions and increased pressure on Moscow are required to halt these strikes and this conflict," Zelenskyy stated on social media before discussions about a temporary truce.

The Russia-U.S. and Ukraine-U.S. negotiations aimed at establishing a limited truce, which were initially planned to happen concurrently in Saudi Arabia on Monday, might now proceed sequentially instead.

Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian and U.S. teams were scheduled to convene on Sunday, but did not offer additional information regarding an apparent shift in their meeting structure.

On an Instagram post, Zelenskyy mentioned that during just one week, more than 1,580 precision air bombs, almost 1,100 assault drones, and 15 different kinds of missiles were utilized against Ukrainians. He emphasized that each piece of this equipment includes a minimum of 102,000 international parts.

"This is why sanctions targeting Russian terrorists should be more robust. Any gaps enabling them to circumvent the sanction measures must be closed off," he stated.

Russia cautions about 'complex talks'

In the meantime, Russia played down hopes for a swift end to the conflict in Ukraine, stating that discussions had only just started and that they faced "challenging negotiations" ahead.

"We have just started down this road," said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov to Russian state television.

Peskov stated that Russia’s primary objective in negotiations with the United States will be to address the potential renewal of the 2022 Black Sea grain agreement. This deal aims to guarantee secure passage for Ukrainian food shipments through the Black Sea.

The US anticipates genuine advancement in discussions.

The representative of US President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, anticipates that both Ukraine and Russia will reach an agreement. progress on a ceasefire In the Black Sea during Monday's discussions in Saudi Arabia.

"You will observe significant advancements in Saudi Arabia come Monday, notably concerning a potential ceasefire involving vessels in the Black Sea between these nations. This development should lead quite directly to an overall cessation of hostilities," he explained to Fox News.

Witkoff additionally stated that he thinks Russian President Vladimir Putin desires peace and has no intention of invading "the whole of Europe."

Witkoff stated that he believes the person desires tranquility.

Previously, Putin dismissed a combined US-Ukrainian suggestion for an unconditional 30-day truce. He put forward his own proposal instead. Stopping strikes exclusively at energy facilities However, on the night before the talks, each side initiated fresh drone strikes.

Edited by: Louis Oelofse

Author: Dmytro Hubenko (with AFP, Reuters)