Tue Mar 25 16:30:00 UTC 2025: ## US and Russia Hold Ceasefire Talks Amidst Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia/Kyiv, Ukraine (AP) —** US and Russian negotiators met in Riyadh on Monday for talks aimed at establishing a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, a day after separate discussions with Ukrainian representatives. The talks, focused on a potential 30-day pause in hostilities, come amidst continued attacks by both sides. A major point of contention remains the definition of protected targets, with disagreements over whether a ceasefire would cover all infrastructure or just energy infrastructure. President Trump has suggested the US take control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, a proposal that has drawn attention.
Meanwhile, a Russian missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy injured 65 people, including 14 children, damaging residential buildings and a school. Regional authorities reported that children were evacuated safely from the school. This attack follows a barrage of Russian drones overnight Sunday that killed at least seven people across Ukraine. Both sides continue to launch attacks, with Russia claiming a downed Ukrainian drone targeting an oil pumping station and Ukraine reporting the destruction of four Russian helicopters in Belgorod. Ukraine also reported a major cyberattack against its state railway operator.
President Zelenskyy criticized Russia for continuing attacks despite a proposed unconditional ceasefire and called on international partners to increase pressure on Moscow. While Russia claims to be adhering to a 30-day halt on attacks against energy facilities, Ukraine rejects these claims. China denied reports it would send peacekeepers to Ukraine. The ongoing talks in Saudi Arabia are focused on a partial ceasefire, potentially including a pause in Black Sea attacks to ensure safe commercial shipping. The outcome remains uncertain as both sides continue their military actions.
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