Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to meet with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of talks later this week with a US negotiating team send by President Donald Trump. The aim of those talks in Jeddah will be to discuss the timing and scope of a possible initial ceasefire with Russia,

While in Jeddah, Rubio will also meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to discuss ways to advance shared interests in the region and strengthen the U.S.-Saudi relationship, said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

Jeddah hosts high-stakes US-Ukraine talks after Trump scolds Zelenskyy. With Saudi Arabia emerging as a diplomatic power, the discussions could reshape global alliances and impact Ukraine's fight against Russia.

ITV News' Global Security Editor Rohit Kachroo looks ahead to a critical week in the future of the war in Ukraine. | ITV National News

At least four people were killed in a Russian attack, Ukraine said, amid concerns about air defenses after the U.S. said it was suspending military and intelligence aid.

Saudi Arabia’s positive neutrality policy has gained it a role in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The Saudi Crown Prince has developed a close working relationship with Putin through OPEC+,

US President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of Ukraine’s approach to his diplomatic push to end the war, saying that it has been “easier” to deal with Moscow, while claiming that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin wants to get the war “stopped and settled”.