Sun Mar 16 09:11:20 UTC 2025: ## US and Russia Hold Talks on Ukraine Conflict Amidst Continued Tensions
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke on Saturday to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. While the conversation focused on advancing negotiations toward a ceasefire, details regarding the timing of the next round of talks, hosted by Saudi Arabia, remain undisclosed.
A statement from State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed that both diplomats agreed to maintain open communication channels. The conversation also touched upon other matters, with Secretary Rubio briefing Minister Lavrov on recent US military actions in Yemen.
The call comes amidst a complex backdrop. Despite recent strained relations between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine has indicated its willingness to observe a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, contingent on Russia halting its offensive in eastern Ukraine. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to agree to such a truce, instead proposing conditions exceeding the terms of the US-brokered agreement. The discrepancy in proposed terms suggests a continued impasse in achieving a lasting peace.
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