The Trump administration has initiated discussions with Russia in Saudi Arabia regarding a potential peace agreement to end the Ukraine war. This meeting follows a discussion between representatives from Washington and Kyiv. On Monday, US and Russian officials began negotiations in Riyadh, with President Donald Trump pushing for a swift resolution to the three-year-long war. He hopes the talks will pave the way for progress. Meanwhile, Kyiv reported that Russia launched at least 99 drone strikes last night.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, has described the recent discussions in Riyadh on reducing tensions with Russia as “successful.” He stated that key issues, including energy security, were addressed, and emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to achieving “a just and lasting peace.” According to Umerov, these talks are part of U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the three-year war. Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Whitcoff reaffirmed Washington’s support for a full ceasefire.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that sooner or later, Vladimir Putin will have to come to the negotiating table. Speaking at a virtual summit of the “Coalition of the Willing,” he urged world leaders to increase pressure on Russia while reinforcing their support for Ukraine. The summit’s primary goal is to influence the United States to provide stronger security guarantees for Ukraine. Earlier, Russia had outlined conditions for ending the war and presented a list of demands for restoring relations with the U.S.

Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States following negotiations in Jeddah. The U.S. has also committed to resuming military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The meeting included U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz, along with Ukrainian officials Andriy Sibiga and Andriy Yermak. Russia was not present at the talks. Rubio stated that they hope Russia will also agree to the ceasefire and, if not, it will help identify obstacles to peace. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky has proposed a partial ceasefire over air and sea routes, while the U.S. is pushing for a full cessation of hostilities.

After meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts toward peace. He highlighted that security guarantees for Ukraine were a major topic in their discussion, alongside potential Saudi investments in defense, energy, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, US and Ukrainian delegations have commenced talks in Saudi Arabia, seeking a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine has reported that Russian missile and drone strikes on the eastern town of Dobropillia have left at least 11 people dead and 30 injured. In a separate attack in the northeastern Kharkiv region, three more civilians were killed and seven wounded. Authorities revealed that Russian forces launched ballistic missiles, multiple rocket salvos, and drones targeting Dobropillia, damaging eight multi-story buildings and 30 vehicles. Even as firefighters were working to contain the blazes, they came under further attack, resulting in damage to emergency vehicles. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force claimed to have intercepted a cruise missile and shot down 79 drones overnight.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that another round of talks between the United States and Ukraine will take place in Saudi Arabia next week. Although Zelensky will not be attending, he emphasized that the meeting in Saudi Arabia could be a critical step toward establishing peace. Former US Special Envoy to Ukraine, Steve Pifer, stated that the US delegation aims to initiate structured discussions that could pave the way for ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This announcement follows the US’s suspension of military aid to Ukraine after the White House controversy. Despite Zelensky’s message of peace, he continues to call for a permanent security arrangement following the cessation of hostilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to European allies at the EU Summit on Thursday. “We are deeply thankful that we are not alone,” he said. He also accused former US President Donald Trump of aiding Russia in dismantling the global order, adding that Trump’s stance on Ukraine has left all of Europe anxious. EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen warned that Europe is facing an unprecedented threat and convened a special meeting of 27 EU countries in Brussels to discuss defense spending and the possibility of forming a military alliance.

Following the U.S. suspension of all military aid to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X expressing regret over a verbal altercation with former U.S. President Donald Trump during a White House meeting. He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to ending the war with Russia as swiftly as possible under Trump’s "strong leadership." Although Zelensky did not directly mention the suspension of military aid, he emphasized that Ukraine is open to security and mineral agreements under any conditions.

On Sunday, France and the United Kingdom proposed a one-month partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. French President Macron announced that the ceasefire would exclude land combat but apply to attacks on air, sea, and energy infrastructure. Following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call, a conference of European leaders was held in London to advance Ukraine’s peace plans. Macron attended the conference, and world leaders reaffirmed their strong support for the Ukrainian leadership. Macron further stated that the second phase of the ceasefire would involve the deployment of European ground troops to Ukraine.

After U.S. President Donald Trump scolded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, European leaders quickly rallied behind him. Following the incident, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a summit with European leaders, including Zelensky, to discuss plans for ending the war in Ukraine. The summit resulted in a four-point agenda, focusing on military aid, maintaining pressure on Russia, and ensuring Ukraine’s presence in peace talks. The UK also pledged $200 million in military support for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to US pressure, stating that removing him from office will not be easy, given the current situation and international support. He reiterated that he is willing to resign if Ukraine is granted NATO membership. Following a heated meeting with US President Donald Trump, Republicans suggested Zelensky may need to step down to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict. However, Zelensky insists his mission will be complete only when NATO membership is secured for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated in an interview with the BBC that Ukraine is still prepared to sign an agreement with the United States concerning mineral resources. He expressed his desire for the world to hear Ukraine’s position and for international partners to remember who the aggressor is in the ongoing war. He also mentioned his willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the United States. Meanwhile, EU leaders have gathered for a European summit, where Ukraine's security and support for President Zelensky have been given top priority.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on European leaders to unite in ensuring peace in Ukraine and maintaining stability across Europe. Speaking at a conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, Starmer emphasized the need for stronger defense cooperation through new alliances. He described the situation as a ‘once-in-a-generation challenge’ and a matter of security for every European nation. Both Macron and Starmer are considering forming a new security alliance, seeking support from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

A day after a heated exchange with Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in London, where he was warmly received by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. As Zelensky’s motorcade reached Downing Street, supporters cheered. Starmer assured him of the UK’s unwavering support, saying, "As you hear the cheers on the streets, know that all of the UK stands with you and Ukraine." In response, Zelensky thanked the British people and government for their steadfast support. The UK and Ukraine also signed a $2.84 billion defense loan agreement.