Moscow: Moscow has announced fresh territorial gains in Ukraine’s Sumy region and Russia’s neighboring Kursk region, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue with US officials ahead of high-level negotiations in Saudi Arabia aimed at ending the ongoing war.
US and Ukrainian representatives are set to meet in Jeddah on Tuesday, with the Trump administration pushing for a ceasefire and a potential framework for a peace agreement. However, despite the upcoming diplomatic efforts, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that its forces had captured the village of Novenke in Ukraine’s Sumy region, along with several settlements in Russia’s Kursk region, including Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Kositsa.
Although Russia occupied parts of Sumy early in the invasion in 2022, it has not controlled any territory in the region since then. Kyiv has yet to respond to Moscow’s claims, but analysts suggest that seizing Novenke could position Russian forces to disrupt a key Ukrainian supply route.
In his nightly address on Sunday, Zelenskyy praised Ukrainian troops for their resilience in repelling Russian attacks. He emphasized that diplomatic efforts must be backed by strong military positions, stating that Ukraine is working to ensure its front-line needs are met.
Meanwhile, tensions between the US and Ukraine have escalated, with Washington cutting Kyiv’s access to intelligence sharing, satellite data, and military aid after a public dispute between the White House and Zelenskyy. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from Ukraine’s rejection of a mineral deal, which Zelenskyy insisted should include a US security guarantee—something the Trump administration has refused. Instead, Washington has urged European allies to provide greater assistance to Ukraine.
European leaders have responded by pledging increased defense spending and reaffirming their support for Kyiv in the face of Russian aggression. However, the US has cast doubt on Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO, further complicating the situation.
Zelenskyy confirmed over the weekend that he will visit Saudi Arabia, where he will meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday. Ukrainian officials will then hold discussions with US representatives on Tuesday. The Ukrainian president reiterated Kyiv’s desire for peace, stating that "realistic proposals" are on the table and that swift action is needed.
US envoy Steve Witkoff has also confirmed his participation in the Saudi meetings, where discussions will focus on establishing an initial ceasefire and laying the groundwork for a longer-term agreement. Additionally, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Saudi Arabia from March 10 to 12, where he will meet both Ukrainian and Saudi officials to discuss regional stability and US-Saudi relations.
Rubio recently spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, stressing that Trump is eager to bring the war to a swift conclusion. The upcoming talks mark the highest-level engagement between Washington and Kyiv since the contentious February 28 meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, which reportedly ended in a heated exchange and Zelenskyy being asked to leave the White House.
