Sun Mar 23 21:38:07 UTC 2025: ## Zelenskyy Demands Putin Halt Ukraine Invasion Amidst Saudi Peace Talks
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia/Kyiv, Ukraine –** Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging international pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the three-year war in Ukraine. This call comes as Ukrainian and U.S. officials met in Riyadh on Sunday for talks focused on a potential ceasefire in the Black Sea region. Separate negotiations between American and Russian officials are scheduled for Monday.
Zelenskyy, in a social media address Sunday evening, stated that any discussions with partners must include pressure on Putin to halt all strikes. He emphasized that Russia, not Ukraine, is prolonging the conflict. He pointed to a March 11th proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, rejected by Russia, which has instead only offered to halt aerial attacks on energy infrastructure. Both sides have engaged in numerous large-scale aerial attacks this week.
Zelenskyy asserted that Russia’s continued attacks demonstrate a disregard for diplomacy and result in further loss of life. He stressed that without significant pressure on Moscow, the violence will persist. The talks in Saudi Arabia are seen as a crucial step in efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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