**US and Russia Talks Not Yet at High-Level**
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said it’s too early to expect high-level talks with Russia. This is because the US is still reviewing Moscow’s response to efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Rubio was asked if it was time for high-level talks after negotiations between the US, Russia, and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. He replied that more progress needs to be made on a technical level first.
The three countries agreed to stop using force and prevent commercial vessels from being used for military purposes in the Black Sea. Rubio said there’s still much work to be done with both sides, especially with Russia.
**US President Trump’s Statements**
US President Donald Trump has been trying to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin since taking office. They had a phone call on March 18 that lasted 1.5 hours.
On March 25, Trump said Russia might be “dragging their feet” on ending the war against Ukraine. This is after the Biden administration avoided talking to Russian officials since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
**Ukraine and Russia Conflict**
The US has been mediating talks between Ukraine and Russia to end the war. Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US, but Russia has refused.
At least 19,500 Ukrainian children have been confirmed abducted by Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion. Only about 1,200 have been returned.
**Other Developments**
Ukraine’s parliament passed a bill to strengthen cyber defense capabilities and protect state information resources.
The US Agency for Global Media reversed its decision to terminate grant funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Germany would likely be involved in any ceasefire negotiations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, was illegitimate.
**Sanctions and Statements**
The EU sanctioned 25 individuals and seven entities for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Belarus.
President Zelensky said he expects a reaction from the US after Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said decisions in local life would be made by Ukrainian citizens, not by aggressor states.
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