The southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa was engulfed in flames late Thursday night following a devastating large-scale drone attack by Russian forces. This assault occurred just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a hopeful outlook regarding the potential for peace in the ongoing conflict, coinciding with the announcement that peace talks are set to resume on Monday.
In a series of diplomatic engagements, Trump recently spoke separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussing the feasibility of implementing a partial ceasefire as a step toward resolution. During a press briefing, Trump conveyed his optimism about the prospect of ending hostilities, stating, “We’re doing pretty well in that regard,” suggesting that diplomatic efforts may be yielding fruit.
On the horizon, diplomats from both Russia and the United States are scheduled to reconvene in Saudi Arabia on Monday for further discussions aimed at alleviating the conflict. This round of talks follows a previous meeting held in February, indicating a continued commitment from both sides to seek a resolution.
Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed that a delegation from Ukraine will participate in these negotiations. He emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, urging Putin to refrain from imposing “unnecessary demands that only prolong the war,” which may hinder the chances for a successful agreement.
“I believe we’ll get it done. We’ll see what happens,” Trump remarked on Thursday, expressing hope for the upcoming talks and the potential for progress in what has become a lengthy and complex conflict. As the world watches, the stakes remain high for all involved.
