RIYADH: Ukraine ‘s presidential chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said talks with the US have started constructively. He emphasized efforts toward a just peace.
Ukraine’s negotiation team includes top officials, meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz.
The talks are being held in Saudi Arabia as both nations discuss strategies for achieving long-term stability.
US and Ukrainian officials aim to find common ground on military aid and diplomatic solutions for ending the conflict.
These discussions occur amid intensified Russian military actions in multiple regions.
Russian Gains
Russia announced retaking over 100 square kilometers (40 square miles) in the Kursk region.
Moscow’s counteroffensive follows Ukraine’s surprise incursion last August, which marked the first foreign invasion of Russia since WWII.
The Russian Defense Ministry said its troops liberated 12 settlements, including Agronom, Dmitriukov, and Kolmakov.
Ukraine is launching counterattacks along the border to reclaim territory lost to Russian forces.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests Russia is preparing to attack Sudzha in the coming days.
Kyiv’s Challenges
Russian advances could weaken Ukraine’s territorial position in negotiations with US officials.
Military analysts suggest Ukrainian forces are struggling as Russia strengthens its hold on captured areas.
Russian forces, along with two North Korean battalions, are reportedly attacking near Kurilovka and Guyevo.
The ISW believes Russia’s strategy includes consolidating control before advancing further into Ukraine’s border regions.
Ukraine faces pressure as military bloggers suggest its defensive operations are weakening.
US Seeks Concessions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is exploring what compromises Ukraine may consider in peace negotiations.
While specifics are unclear, US President Donald Trump previously hinted that Ukraine might need to cede some land.
Russian troops currently occupy nearly 20% of Ukraine, a significant increase from 7% before 2022.
Putin aims to take full control of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Ukraine faces a difficult decision as Russian forces continue expanding their occupied territories.
Occupied Ukraine
Russia controls 99% of Luhansk, 70% of Donetsk, and 75% of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
Moscow calls these areas “New Regions of Russia,” holding referendums rejected by Ukraine and the West.
Around six million Ukrainians, including one million children, live under Russian occupation.
The United Nations describes the human rights situation in occupied Ukraine as bleak and worsening.
Ukraine’s government insists that resistance will continue despite the difficult battlefield conditions.
