Moscow said that he had captured the territory shortly before the start of potential peace talks in Saudi Arabia.
Moscow says he has made new gains in the Sumy region in Ukraine and the Kursk Russia region as a Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was “fully committed” to have a constructive dialogue with representatives of the United States before talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss the way of putting an end to the Russian war against Ukraine.
American and Ukrainian negotiators should meet to Disappeared in the city of the Red Sea of Jeddah On Tuesday, with the administration of American president Donald Trump in the running to obtain a cease-fire and a “executive” for a peace agreement.
Despite the upcoming talks, the Russian Defense Ministry declared in a briefing that its forces had “released” the small village of Nomenke in Sumy near the border with Kursk. Moscow also announced the recovery of the villages of Lebedevka, Malaysia Loknya, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye and Kositsa in Kursk.
Russia briefly occupied parts of Ukraine at the start of its total invasion in 2022, but has not taken territory since.
Kyiv has not yet commented on Russia’s pretension of having captured NOVENKE, who, according to analysts, could bring Russian troops closer to block a main Ukrainian supply route.
Zelenskyy said in his evening speech on Sunday: “I would like to thank all our units which are firmly and against all expectations destroying the occupier, pushing the attacks and defending our positions.
“Diplomacy will only be strong on high first line positions. And we do our best to make sure that Ukraine’s front line needs are met. »»
Who meets who
The United States has cut Ukraine’s access to the sharing of intelligence and satellite data, as well as help – Following a White House public spat With Zelenskyy – in order to force kyiv to negotiate the end of the invasion of Russia – the largest European conflict since the Second World War.
Zelenskyy invited Trump’s anger for rejected a mineral agreement which, according to the Ukrainian president, should involve an American security guarantee. But the Trump administration refused to engage in this area and rather asked Europe to intensify aid in the country beaten by the war.
European leaders have agreed to stimulate defense spending when they were taking support from Ukraine against Russian threats. Washington has also poured cold water on the ambitions of Ukraine NATO.
Zelenskyy confirmed on Saturday that he would visit Saudi Arabia next week and that after meeting the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Monday, the Ukrainian diplomatic and military representatives would remain on Tuesday for a meeting with the United States.
“Ukraine looked for peace from the first second of this war. Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively, “said the Ukrainian president on X.
American envoy Steve Witkoff, on the other hand, confirmed last week that he would meet Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, reporting that he would discuss an “initial ceasefire” and a “framework” for a longer agreement.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also visit Saudi Arabia between March 10 and 12 for interviews with Ukrainian counterparts, a statement from the US State Department said.
He will also hold interviews with Prince Mohammed to discuss regional issues and means to strengthen American-Saudi Arabian ties, the State Department said.
Rubio spoke on Friday with the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha and said Trump wanted to end the War in Ukraine as soon as possible.
It will be the first high -level rally of American and Ukrainian officials since February 28 meeting Between Zelenskyy and Trump Parade in a cries match And ended with the Ukrainian leader invited to leave the White House.
