**Russia Launches Missile Strike on Ukraine as US and Russia Meet for Talks**
Russia has launched a missile attack on the city of Sumy in north-eastern Ukraine, injuring dozens. This comes as US and Russian officials met to push for a pause in the war.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Russia must stop its attacks instead of just making “hollow statements about peace”.
**US and Russia Hold Talks**
The US and Russia held 12 hours of talks on Monday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The main topic was reportedly the revival of a 2022 grain deal that would allow Ukraine to export grains across the Black Sea.
In return, Moscow is seeking relief from Western sanctions, which would enable it to export fertilizers.
A joint statement is expected to be released on Tuesday.
**Ukrainian and US Delegations Meet**
The Ukrainian delegation will meet with the US delegation on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia for further talks.
Optimistic US ambitions for ending the war have had a head-on collision with reality, making it difficult to find common ground for even a partial ceasefire.
The current talks are focusing on securing a “ceasefire light” on the Black Sea.
**Russia Continues to Attack**
Despite the ongoing talks, both Russia and Ukraine continue to fight despite the vast front line.
A school, hospital, and apartment blocks were damaged in Monday’s missile strike in Sumy, injuring 99 people including 23 children.
The city has long been a target of Russian strikes, but Monday’s attack was exceptional.
**Talks Continue**
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said the attack showed Russia’s desire to continue terrorizing Ukrainians.
The international community must increase pressure on Russia to stop aggression and ensure justice and save Ukrainian lives, he wrote on X.
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of not abiding by last week’s deal for a 30-day ceasefire.