Zelenskyy Calls for Increased Pressure on Russia Amid US-Ukraine Negotiations

In the wake of intensified hostilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Ukraine's allies to implement additional pressure on Russia to halt its ongoing military actions. This appeal follows a significant overnight drone assault by Russian forces that targeted Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals, including a five-year-old child.

Zelenskyy's call for action comes as high-level discussions between the United States and Ukraine commenced in Saudi Arabia, initially scheduled for Monday but starting a day earlier. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the necessity for 'new decisions and new pressure on Moscow' in order to bring an end to the current conflict.

Following the discussions, Ukraine's Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, characterized the talks with the US delegation as 'constructive and meaningful,' highlighting that key issues were addressed, particularly concerning the energy sector. The US delegation is also expected to engage separately with Russian representatives.

In a social media post, Zelenskyy detailed the scale of the military aggression faced by Ukraine, reporting that over 1,580 guided aerial bombs, nearly 1,100 attack drones, and 15 different types of missiles were used against Ukraine in the past week alone. He noted that these weapons contain significant foreign components, indicating the need for more effective sanctions against Russia. Zelenskyy stressed that any loopholes allowing circumvention of the sanctions regime must be closed.

On the Russian side, officials have tempered expectations regarding the potential for a swift resolution to the conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that the negotiations are just in their initial stages and warned that 'difficult negotiations' lie ahead. He underscored that Russia's primary focus in discussions with the US would be the possible revival of a grain deal from 2022, which would facilitate safe navigation for Ukrainian agricultural exports in the Black Sea.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism, suggesting that meaningful progress could be made concerning a ceasefire in the Black Sea during the talks. He remarked that the discussions might pave the way towards a broader ceasefire agreement.

White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz noted that the United States is exploring various confidence-building measures aimed at ceasing hostilities, including addressing the status of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. In response to a joint ceasefire proposal from the US and Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously proposed a limited halt to strikes, specifically targeting energy facilities, rather than a comprehensive ceasefire.

As the negotiations unfold, both sides have continued their military operations, highlighting the challenges ahead in reaching a consensus that could lead to a cessation of hostilities.