**Ukraine and US Delegations Make Progress in Saudi Arabia Talks**
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the meeting between Ukrainian and US delegations in Saudi Arabia was “constructive and beneficial”. He made this announcement in his evening address on March 23.
The talks were focused on key issues, including energy and defense. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov led the Ukrainian delegation and met with military, diplomatic, and energy representatives from the US. The discussions were described as “meaningful” and “constructive”.
**Pressure Needed to Stop Russia’s Attacks**
Zelensky also called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia to achieve a ceasefire. He reminded everyone that since March 11, there has been a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, but Russia continues its attacks.
The President emphasized that without pressure on Russia, Moscow will continue to ignore true diplomacy and destroy lives. He urged Putin to issue a real order to stop the strikes, saying “whoever started this war must be the one to end it”.
**Previous Plans**
Before the talks in Saudi Arabia, Zelensky announced that Ukrainian and American delegations would meet on March 24. The US planned to hold separate meetings with Ukrainian and Russian delegates, a format known as “shuttle diplomacy”. Washington also set up diplomatic talks with Moscow in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Ukraine has made it clear that no direct communications between Ukraine and Russia will be held in Saudi Arabia this week.
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