**Ukraine and US Hold Talks on Ceasefire in Saudi Arabia**
A Ukrainian delegation is meeting with its US counterpart in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss a partial ceasefire on energy and critical infrastructure strikes. The talks come as Ukraine prepares for separate meetings with Russian delegates on March 24.
The Ukrainian team includes Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Pavlo Palisa, the deputy head of the President’s Office. They are working through complex technical issues related to protecting energy facilities and critical infrastructure.
The US is also holding diplomatic talks with Moscow in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 23. However, no direct communications between Ukraine and Russia will be held during these talks.
**Background**
Ukraine announced last week that it would send “technical teams” to flesh out the details of a potential partial ceasefire with Russia. The US has been trying to facilitate indirect talks between Ukraine and Russia since February.
The talks come as Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities, causing fires and evacuations. At least two people were killed in a recent attack on high-rise apartment buildings.
**US Optimism**
Despite the challenges ahead, the White House remains optimistic that a truce could be reached by Easter. However, officials are prepared for a delay given the current impasse.
The US is also trying to convince Russia to accept peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, with EU diplomats suggesting that China’s inclusion in a “coalition of the willing” could increase Russia’s acceptance of this proposal.
**Russian Response**
Russia has denied responsibility for the recent attack on high-rise apartment buildings and instead accused Ukraine of being the aggressor. Russian senator Grigory Karasin said he would approach the negotiations with a “combative and constructive” approach.
**Next Steps**
The meeting in Riyadh is just one step towards reaching a ceasefire agreement between Ukraine, Russia, and the US. The outcome remains uncertain, but diplomats are working to bring an end to the violence in Ukraine.
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