Sat Mar 22 15:07:39 UTC 2025: ## Drone Strike Kills Three as Russia-Ukraine Talks Loom

**JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia** – A Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia has killed three civilians and injured twelve more, casting a shadow over upcoming talks aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict. The attack, which occurred overnight Friday, targeted residential buildings, cars, and infrastructure, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov. Images from the scene showed emergency services searching through the rubble. The victims included three members of a single family.

These events come as both Russia and Ukraine prepare for separate meetings with US officials in Saudi Arabia on Monday. While a limited ceasefire was agreed to in principle earlier this week following separate calls between US President Donald Trump and the leaders of both countries, disagreements remain on the scope of the truce. The White House stated the agreement includes protection of “energy and infrastructure,” while the Kremlin narrowed it to “energy infrastructure.” Ukraine seeks broader protection for railways and ports.

The differing interpretations underscore the complexities of the negotiations. Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported shooting down 47 Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 100 out of 179 launched by Russia. Both sides accused each other of sabotaging a gas pumping station near the border. The Kremlin issued a warning of potential “symmetrical response” to further Ukrainian aggression.

Despite the ongoing violence and conflicting narratives, both sides have expressed a willingness to engage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains open to a full 30-day ceasefire, while Russian Senator Grigory Karasin, leading the Russian delegation to Saudi Arabia, described the Russian approach as “combative and constructive.” However, the selection of Karasin and FSB advisor Sergey Beseda, both outside traditional diplomatic circles, has raised eyebrows.

The talks in Saudi Arabia aim to find common ground, however, the Zaporizhzhia attack highlights the fragility of any potential agreement and the significant obstacles to peace. The focus will be on securing at least a partial ceasefire, with energy and infrastructure protection as a potential starting point.

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