US Officials Pursue Truce Talks with Ukraine Amid Aid Suspension

A US delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has arrived in Saudi Arabia for peace talks with Ukraine. Key discussions are set for Tuesday between Rubio and Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ukraine is expected to propose a ceasefire in the air and sea, aiming to ease tensions. Former President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the talks, suggesting they could lead to "a lot of progress."

During the flight, Rubio indicated hopes of resolving the pause in US military aid to Ukraine but downplayed the chances of finalizing a minerals deal — seen as crucial for US support in any ceasefire.

President Zelensky, after meeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will return to Ukraine, skipping further negotiations. His military leaders dismissed reports of Russian forces encircling Ukrainian troops near Kursk amid ongoing battles.

Negotiations continue as the international community watches closely.