**Russia Hopes for Progress in Saudi Talks**
Moscow is hoping to make some progress in upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia. This is according to a Russian negotiator, who spoke to state media ahead of Monday’s meetings between U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian delegations.
The U.S. is using what they call “shuttle diplomacy” to try and resolve the conflict, which has been going on for four years. But Russia has already rejected a proposed 30-day ceasefire. Instead, they are only offering to stop bombing energy facilities.
**Recent Attacks**
Just days before the talks, Russia launched an attack on Zaporizhzhia that killed a family of three. Ukrainian officials have strongly condemned this action. The Ukrainian Air Force also reported that Russia fired 179 drones in its latest wave of overnight attacks.
**Questionable Negotiators**
Some people are questioning who will be leading Russia’s delegation to the talks. A Russian senator named Grigory Karasin, and an FSB advisor named Sergey Beseda, have been chosen to lead the negotiations. But they are not from Russia’s main diplomatic institutions.
Ukraine has accused Russia of being insincere in their peace efforts. They point out that Russia is still carrying out attacks despite President Vladimir Putin’s claims that he ordered a halt to these attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
**Mixed Messages**
The White House envoy, Steve Witkoff, has praised Russian leader Vladimir Putin. He called him a “great” leader who wants to end the war. But Ukraine and many others see Russia’s actions as proof that they are not serious about making peace.
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