National Times Bureau, March 25, 2025: US negotiators pushed for a 30-day partial ceasefire in Ukraine, holding talks with Russian representatives in Riyadh on Monday, a day after separate discussions with Kyiv’s team. Despite an agreement “in principle” last week, hostilities persist as both sides continue drone and missile strikes.
Ceasefire Disputes and Nuclear Plant Proposal
A key dispute is over which targets should be off-limits. The US insists on protecting energy and infrastructure, while Russia limits it to energy facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks additional safeguards for railways and ports.
Former US President Donald Trump, overseeing the negotiations, proposed the US take control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which Russia seized early in the war. Trump argued that American oversight would restore safety and operations.
Russian state media confirmed the US and Russian delegations met in Riyadh on Monday, while US and Ukrainian teams are set for further discussions. A potential ceasefire in the Black Sea to safeguard commercial shipping was also on the agenda.
Continued Attacks Amid Peace Talks
Despite the talks, both nations launched fresh attacks:
Ukraine allegedly targeted a Russian oil pumping station, but Moscow claimed it intercepted the drone.
Russia accused Ukraine of striking energy sites, violating the ceasefire proposal. Kyiv denied this, blaming Russian shelling instead.
Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces claimed a HIMARS strike destroyed four Russian military helicopters in Belgorod.
A Russian missile hit Sumy, Ukraine, injuring 65 people, including 14 children.
Ukraine intercepted 57 of 99 Russian drones fired overnight.
Zelenskyy remains open to Trump’s proposed full ceasefire, but Russian President Vladimir Putin demands a halt in Western arms supplies and Ukraine’s military mobilization, conditions Kyiv rejects.
China Rules Out Sending Peacekeepers
China dismissed reports suggesting it might deploy peacekeepers to enforce a Ukraine peace deal. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun denied the claims, reaffirming China’s neutral stance while maintaining economic and diplomatic ties with Russia.
Cyberattack on Ukrainian Railways
A massive cyberattack targeted Ukraine’s state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia on Sunday, disrupting online bookings. However, train operations remained unaffected. Ukraine continues facing physical and cyber warfare as it resists Russian aggression.
