In the early hours of Thursday, police deployed pepper spray, plastic pellets, and water cannons against protesters in Turkey’s capital. The incident is part of the most significant wave of anti-government demonstrations the country has witnessed in over a decade. Turkish court orders key Erdogan rival jailed pending trial on corruption charges The protests erupted last week after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Imamoglu was jailed pending trial on corruption charges that many believe are politically motivated. He is also accused of supporting terrorism. While the government maintains that the judiciary operates independently, critics argue that the case is based on secret witnesses and lacks credible evidence. On Thursday morning, student demonstrators attempted to march and gathered near the gates of Middle East Technical University to read a statement, according to reports from the pro-opposition broadcaster Halk TV and local media. Security forces confronted them, using pepper spray, water cannons, and plastic pellets. A standoff ensued as students sought refuge behind a barricade of dumpsters before police moved in to detain them. Melih Meric, a legislator from Imamoglu’s Republican People’s Party (CHP), was seen drenched and suffering from the effects of pepper spray. “My student friends merely wanted to make a press statement, but the police refused to allow it. This is the outcome,” Meric stated in social media videos. Nearly 1,900 Arrested Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Thursday that nearly 1,900 individuals had been arrested during eight days of large-scale protests across the country. He reported that 1,879 suspects had been detained, including 260 who remain in custody pending trial. Another 468 were released under judicial control while their cases proceed, and legal proceedings are still underway for 662 others. The minister stated that some detainees faced charges related to drug offenses and assault, adding that 150 police officers had been injured. While he did not specify further details, previous statements have cited offenses such as resisting arrest and violating bans on protests and gatherings. Mass demonstrations, primarily peaceful, have swept through major cities, with opposition-led rallies outside Istanbul City Hall drawing large crowds. Additional protests have taken place in Istanbul’s Kadikoy and Sisli districts in recent days. However, some demonstrations have escalated into violent confrontations as police have used water cannons, tear gas, plastic pellets, and pepper spray to disperse protesters in cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, where demonstrations have been officially banned. On Thursday morning, authorities continued to conduct house raids targeting protesters. Most of those arrested in their homes were reportedly affiliated with left-wing parties, trade unions, and civil society groups. Journalists Arrested, BBC Reporter Deported On Wednesday, eleven journalists were detained and jailed for covering the protests. The Media and Law Studies Association reported that at least eight of them were released under judicial control the following day, though they still face protest-related charges. Meanwhile, BBC reporter Mark Lowen was deported from Turkey after being arrested on Wednesday, the British news organisation confirmed. He was taken from his hotel, detained for 17 hours, and then issued a notice labelling him a “threat to public order,” according to a BBC statement released on Thursday. Mayor and Over 100 Others Facing Trial Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested in a pre-dawn raid on his home last Wednesday and subsequently jailed. He faces charges linked to two investigations into the opposition-led Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality—one involving allegations of corruption and another accusing him of supporting terrorism. As the main opposition candidate expected to challenge Erdogan in the next presidential election—currently scheduled for 2028 but potentially happening sooner—Imamoglu’s arrest has heightened political tensions. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stated on Thursday that 106 individuals had been arrested in connection with the municipality investigations, with 51 currently in jail awaiting trial, including Imamoglu. The detainees include municipal officials and business figures facing allegations of bribery, extortion, and bid-rigging. Many believe Imamoglu’s case is politically driven. Protesters frequently cite concerns over Turkey’s democratic decline, growing authoritarianism, and worsening economic conditions as reasons for taking to the streets. Turkey and Israel facing rising tensions over Syria's post-Assad future Imamoglu was officially confirmed as the CHP’s presidential candidate on the same day he was imprisoned. His strong performance in recent polls against Erdogan and his victory in Istanbul’s 2019 mayoral election—seen as a major political setback for the president—have made him a key figure in Turkey’s opposition movement.

Turkish prosecutors on Sunday formally requested the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure and key challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, over allegations of corruption and links to terrorism. A court is expected to rule on whether Imamoglu will be charged and held in custody pending trial. His detention has triggered nationwide protests, with demonstrators rallying in multiple cities, decrying what they see as a politically motivated effort to sideline him ahead of Turkey’s 2028 presidential election. The government denies the accusations, insisting the judiciary operates independently. Imamoglu faced two rounds of questioning—first over corruption allegations and later regarding claims of aiding the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), according to Cumhuriyet newspaper. He rejected all charges before being transferred to a courthouse along with about 90 others detained in the same operation. Authorities restricted access to the courthouse, blocking roads and closing metro stations. Despite the heavy police presence, protesters gathered outside, chanting: “Rights, law, justice!” Largest Protests in Over a DecadeFor a fourth consecutive night, demonstrators took to the streets, including outside Istanbul’s city hall, in what has become Turkey’s biggest wave of protests in more than a decade. While most rallies remained peaceful, some protesters attempting to breach police barricades threw flares and stones, prompting security forces to respond with pepper spray. In Ankara, water cannons and tear gas were used to disperse crowds. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said 323 people were detained overnight, warning that authorities would not tolerate unrest. Turkey and Israel facing rising tensions over Syria's post-Assad future Mounting Political TensionsImamoglu was arrested Wednesday in a dawn raid on his residence, part of a sweeping crackdown that also saw the detention of two district mayors and several other officials. In response, Istanbul authorities expanded a ban on demonstrations until March 26 and imposed restrictions on vehicles suspected of transporting protesters. Erdogan accused the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) of turning “a blind eye to municipal corruption” and seeking to divide the nation. Opposition Pushes BackImamoglu’s detention comes just ahead of the CHP’s presidential primary, where he was expected to be nominated. Party leader Ozel confirmed that the vote, open to 1.5 million delegates, would proceed as planned on Sunday. In a show of defiance, CHP leaders encouraged citizens to participate in a symbolic nationwide vote using makeshift ballot boxes. Explosion at in Northwest Turkey leaves 12 dead Shortly before arriving at the courthouse, Imamoglu urged the public to “protect the ballot boxes,” warning that the government fears the people’s democratic rights. He previously described his arrest as a “coup” and accused authorities of using the judiciary for political gain. Source: With input from agency 

A 19-year-old British man who murdered his mother and two younger siblings, and planned a high-profile school shooting, has been sentenced to at least 49 years in prison without the possibility of parole. During the sentencing at Luton Crown Court on Wednesday, Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb stated that although she had considered issuing a full life sentence for Nicholas Prosper, she decided against it due to his age — he was 18 at the time of the killings — and his guilty plea. Last month, Prosper admitted to the murders of his 48-year-old mother, Juliana Falcon, and his younger siblings, 13-year-old Giselle and 16-year-old Kyle Prosper, at their Luton, Bedfordshire home on September 13. He also stabbed his brother over 100 times. The judge noted that Prosper sought to replicate and surpass infamous global massacres, such as the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut, where 26 people, mostly children, were killed, and the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting that claimed 30 lives. “You aimed for notoriety,” the judge told Prosper, who had to be forced into court to hear his sentence. “You wanted to be posthumously known as the most famous school shooter of the 21st century.” The judge remarked that Prosper's case shared several common traits with other school shootings worldwide, including an unhealthy interest in children, a retreat into online spaces, a lack of empathy for victims, and a premeditated “uniform” for the killings. The court was informed that Prosper, unable to remain in education or hold down a job, forged a gun license and purchased a shotgun and 100 cartridges from a legitimate dealer the day before the murders. His plan was to carry out a mass shooting at his former elementary school on Friday the 13th. Early that morning, Prosper fired a test shot into a teddy bear in his bedroom. His mother, waking up first, sensed something was wrong, and Prosper killed her, leaving a copy of the book How to Kill Your Family on her legs. He then shot his sister as she hid under a table and stabbed and shot his brother. “The lives of your mother and younger brother and sister were merely collateral damage in your pursuit of fame,” the judge commented. As police flooded the area following the family attack, Prosper flagged down officers in a nearby street and led them to where he had concealed a loaded shotgun and 33 cartridges. In a statement read by Bedfordshire Police Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, Prosper's father, Raymond, expressed that the deaths of his ex-partner and children carried “far more meaning and importance.” He added, “Their deaths and the swift action of Bedfordshire Police prevented any other family from experiencing the pain we have suffered.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's promise not to attack Ukraine's energy infrastructure was "very much at odds with reality" following a series of drone strikes across the country overnight. Just before Zelenskyy spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, the Ukrainian leader expressed his anticipation to hear more about Trump's recent phone call with Putin regarding a potential limited ceasefire and discuss subsequent steps. Tens of thousands rally in Rome in support of Europe amid defense spending debate "Even last night, after Putin's conversation with Trump, when Putin claimed to have ordered a halt to strikes on Ukrainian energy, 150 drones were launched, including on energy facilities," Zelenskyy said during a press conference in Helsinki with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Russia responded by claiming it had stopped targeting Ukraine’s energy facilities and accused Kyiv of attacking equipment near one of its pipelines. “We unfortunately see that there is no reciprocity from the Kyiv regime,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Despite Putin’s refusal to agree to a full 30-day ceasefire in discussions with Trump, he pledged to immediately halt attacks on Ukraine’s power grid. The White House described the call between Trump and Putin as the first step toward a "movement to peace," with hopes for a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full end to the conflict. However, there was no sign that Putin had softened his stance on the conditions for peace, which are strongly opposed by Kyiv. The Institute for the Study of War, a U.S.-based think tank, stated that Putin's demands during the call amounted to “Ukrainian capitulation.” “Putin is attempting to hold the temporary ceasefire proposal hostage to extract preemptive concessions before formal peace talks,” the Institute said in an analysis of the call. Stubb called the talks between Trump and Putin a positive development but emphasized that Russia needed to end its aggression. "There are only two ways to respond to the U.S. president's proposal: yes or no—no buts, no conditions," Stubb said. “Ukraine accepted a ceasefire without any conditions. If Russia refuses, we must increase our support for Ukraine and intensify pressure on Russia to return to the negotiating table.” White House national security adviser Mike Waltz stated on social media that he and his Russian counterpart, Yuri Ushakov, agreed on a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to focus on implementing and expanding the partial ceasefire secured by Trump. It was unclear who would attend the talks in Riyadh or if Ukrainian officials would be involved. Following the lengthy phone conversation between Trump and Putin on Tuesday, air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv, followed by explosions as residents sought shelter. Despite efforts to defend against the attack, several strikes hit civilian infrastructure, including two hospitals, a railway, and over 20 houses, according to Zelenskyy. Russian drones were reported over Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Chernihiv, Poltava, Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, and Cherkasy regions. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its military launched seven drones at power facilities in Ukraine’s Mykolaiv region, but these were shot down after receiving Putin’s order to avoid targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow accused Ukraine of targeting its energy facility in the Krasnodar region, bordering the Crimean Peninsula, hours after the Putin-Trump talks. The ministry said three drones targeted oil transfer equipment, causing a fire and loss of pressure in one oil tank. "It is clear that this is another provocation fabricated by Kyiv to sabotage President Trump’s peace initiatives," the ministry stated. Russia and Ukraine trade overnight aerial attacks after Putin sets out conditions for ceasefire Russia also claimed its air defences intercepted 57 Ukrainian drones over the Azov Sea and various Russian regions, including Kursk, Bryansk, Oryol, and Tula. Zelenskyy stated that "words of a ceasefire" were not enough. "If the Russians don’t hit our facilities, we certainly won’t hit theirs," he said. Zelenskyy rejected Putin’s key condition that Western nations halt military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine. He argued that such an action would endanger lives by leaving citizens unaware of incoming airstrikes and prolong the war. “I don’t think anyone should make concessions in helping Ukraine; instead, aid to Ukraine should be increased,” Zelenskyy said. “This would signal that Ukraine is ready for any surprises from Russia.” Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, called Putin’s rejection of the ceasefire unsurprising, noting that it was unwise for Putin to express it directly to President Trump, who has made ending the war a top priority. “What we now have is a rivalry between Kyiv and Moscow to persuade Trump that the other side is preventing him from achieving his goal of ending the war,” Gould-Davies said. Zelenskyy noted that one of the most challenging issues in future negotiations would be territorial concessions. "For us, the red line is recognizing the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian," he said. “We will not agree to that.”

Tens of thousands of Italians gathered in central Rome on Saturday, waving European Union flags in a show of unity as debate intensifies over the EU’s push for increased defense spending. The rally, backed by most center-left opposition parties despite their differing stances, was initiated by Italian journalist Michele Serra. His call for action came in late February through an editorial in La Repubblica titled “Let’s say something European.” “My goal was to organize a major demonstration of citizens in support of Europe—its unity and its freedoms—without party banners, only European flags,” Serra said, coining the slogan: “Here we make Europe, or we die.” The movement emerged as a response to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Europe, exacerbated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, which have widened divisions over the war in Ukraine and trade disputes. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has reluctantly backed an EU proposal to bolster European defense capabilities, a plan spearheaded by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. However, she has expressed concerns about its potential impact on Italy’s already massive debt, fearing that increased military spending could divert crucial funds from other national priorities. Trump clarifies his 24-hour Russia-Ukraine war promise as 'Sarcastic' The EU’s rearmament plan aims to raise approximately 800 billion euros over four years, primarily through increased defense and security expenditures by member states. Meloni has been vocal in challenging the wording of the proposal, arguing that “rearmament” is misleading. Instead, she has urged European leaders to focus on broader security and defense cooperation. Saturday’s demonstration packed Rome’s Piazza del Popolo with an estimated 30,000 people. Organizers described it as a rare moment of unity, bringing together Italians from different political backgrounds under the common cause of defending democracy. “We are here to protect freedom and democracy,” said participant Daniela Condotto. “These are values we’ve enjoyed for over 80 years, but they must not be taken for granted. They need to be defended.” Meloni’s right-wing government allies largely ignored the demonstration, siding with her cautious approach toward the EU plan. Foreign Minister and Vice Premier Antonio Tajani dismissed the protest as symbolic, stating, “Support for Europe is necessary, but it must come with real reforms, not just public displays.” China, Russia and Iran call for end to US sanctions on Iran and the restart of nuclear talks Meanwhile, Vice Premier Matteo Salvini, leader of the euroskeptic League party, openly criticized the rally. “While some wave flags, we work to change Europe—a Europe that burdens workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs with senseless regulations,” he said. Source: With input from agency

Russia and Ukraine traded heavy aerial blows overnight, with both sides on Saturday reporting more than 100 enemy drones over their respective territories. The attacks comes less than 24 hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss details of the American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Ukraine. Putin told a press conference on Thursday that he supported a truce in principle but set out a host of details that need to be clarified before it is agreed. Kyiv has already endorsed the truce proposal, although Ukrainian officials have publicly raised doubts as to whether Moscow will commit to such a deal. Speaking to reporters in Kyiv on Saturday, after virtual talks between Western allies hosted by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy voiced Ukraine’s support for the 30-day full ceasefire proposal to discuss a longer-term peace plan, but said Russia would attempt to derail talks with conditions and “buts”. Starmer has told allies to “keep the pressure” on Putin to back a ceasefire in Ukraine, hailing Ukraine as the “party of peace.” Starmer said Putin will “sooner or later” have to “come to the table. In a statement earlier on Saturday, Zelenskyy had accused Moscow of building up forces along the border. “The build up of Russian forces indicates that Moscow intends to keep ignoring diplomacy. It is clear that Russia is prolonging the war,” he said. However, Zelenskyy stressed that if Russia did not agree with the U.S. proposal there would be “specific, harsh and straightforward” response from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump clarifies his 24-hour Russia-Ukraine war promise as 'Sarcastic' He also said that Kyiv’s troops were maintaining their presence in Russia’s Kursk region after Trump said Friday that “thousands” of Ukrainian troops had been surrounded by the Russian military. “The operation of our forces in the designated areas of the Kursk region continues,” Zelenskyy said. “Our troops continue to hold back Russian and North Korean groupings in the Kursk region. There is no encirclement of our troops.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke Saturday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. In the call, they discussed next steps to follow up on recent meetings in Saudi Arabia and agreed to continue working towards restoring communication between the United States and Russia, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. Ukraine’s air force said Saturday that Russia had launched a barrage of 178 drones and two ballistic missiles over the country overnight. The attack was a mixture of Shahed-type drones and imitation drones designed to confuse air defenses. Some 130 drones were shot down, while 38 more failed to reach their targets. Russia attacked energy facilities, causing significant damage, striking energy infrastructure in the Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa regions, Ukraine’s private energy company DTEK said in a statement on Saturday. Some residents were left without electricity. “The damage is significant. Energy workers are already working on the ground. We are doing everything possible to restore power to homes as soon as possible,” the energy firm said. Falling drone debris in Russia’s Volgograd region sparked a fire in the Krasnoarmeysky district of the city, close to a Lukoil oil refinery, according to Gov. Andrei Bocharov, who provided no further details. Nearby airports temporarily halted flights, local media outlets reported. No casualties were reported. US resumes military aid as Ukraine signals ceasefire possibility The Volgograd refinery has been targeted by Kyiv’s forces on several occasions since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago, most recently in a drone attack on Feb. 15. Source: With input from agency  

The piercing sound of whistles and vuvuzelas resonated through downtown Belgrade on Saturday as the city braced for a large-scale protest against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his administration. Massive crowds have been gathering in downtown Belgrade for what is considered the peak of months-long, nearly daily anti-corruption demonstrations, posing the most significant challenge to Vucic’s 13-year stronghold on Serbia’s leadership. Serbian lawmakers injured as smoke bombs, flares thrown in parliament On Friday evening, tens of thousands enthusiastically welcomed students who had been walking or cycling for days from various parts of Serbia to reach Belgrade for Saturday afternoon’s main protest. From early morning, people began assembling in different parts of the city, preparing to march towards the centre. Tensions have intensified in the lead-up to the demonstration, with Vucic repeatedly alleging plans for unrest and issuing threats of arrests and severe penalties for any disturbances. Raising concerns of potential clashes, Vucic’s supporters have set up camp in central Belgrade in front of his headquarters. Among them are former members of a notorious paramilitary unit implicated in the 2003 assassination of Serbia’s first democratic Prime Minister, Zoran Djindjic, along with football hooligans known for inciting violence. On Saturday, private broadcaster N1 aired footage showing dozens of young men wearing baseball caps entering the pro-Vucic encampment. Interior Minister Ivica Dacic informed state broadcaster RTS that 13 people had been detained overnight, though no major incidents were reported on Friday. He stated that six opposition activists were arrested on allegations of plotting to instigate a coup and provoke unrest on Saturday. Serbia's prime minister resigns as anti-corruption protests grow Students have spearheaded the nationwide anti-corruption movement, which emerged following the collapse of a concrete canopy at a train station in northern Serbia on 1 November, killing 15 people. Many in Serbia attribute the tragedy to widespread government corruption, negligence, and disregard for construction safety regulations. Vucic has accused Western intelligence agencies of orchestrating the near-daily student-led protests as part of an effort to remove him from power. The students have resonated with citizens frustrated by politicians and disillusioned with state institutions. Previous student-led protests in other Serbian cities have remained peaceful while attracting vast crowds.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged global leaders to maintain pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to support a ceasefire in Ukraine. US resumes military aid as Ukraine signals ceasefire possibility Speaking on Saturday at the opening of a virtual meeting of what he calls the “coalition of the willing,” Starmer stated that Putin will “sooner or later” have to “come to the table.” Ukraine says it is open to a 30-day ceasefire; US resumes military aid and intelligence sharing The discussion is set to explore ways countries can provide military and financial assistance to Ukraine while also assessing support for any potential future peacekeeping mission.

Portugal’s minority government suffered a defeat in a parliamentary confidence vote on Tuesday, leading to its resignation and setting the stage for the country's third general election in three years. This marks the most severe period of political instability since Portugal embraced democracy over 50 years ago, following the 1974 Carnation Revolution that ended a four-decade dictatorship. Ukraine says it is open to a 30-day ceasefire; US resumes military aid and intelligence sharing Successive minority governments have struggled to form alliances that would allow them to complete a full four-year constitutional term, as opposition parties have repeatedly united to bring them down. With the election likely to take place in May, the country of 10.6 million people faces months of political uncertainty while it moves forward with plans to invest over 22 billion euros ($24 billion) in EU development funds. Meanwhile, Europe continues to grapple with pressing security and economic challenges. Voter frustration with repeated elections could benefit the radical-right populist party Chega (Enough), which has capitalised on dissatisfaction with mainstream parties. Portugal has followed the broader European trend of rising populism, with Chega securing third place in last year’s election. The government had called for the confidence vote, arguing it was necessary to "dispel uncertainty" about its future amid a deepening political crisis centred on Social Democrat Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, which had diverted attention from government policy. Following over three hours of heated debate, including dramatic last-minute proposals by the government to avoid its downfall, lawmakers took an hourlong recess for negotiations. The government claimed to have made a last-minute offer to the Socialists. A hush fell over the chamber when the result was announced. “Things are how they are. We gave our all,” Prime Minister Montenegro told reporters as he left the National Assembly. Pedro Nuno Santos, leader of the Socialist Party and the largest opposition group, criticised the government’s actions as “shameful,” accusing it of resorting to “manoeuvres, games, tricks” to stay in power. The political controversy revolves around possible conflicts of interest concerning Montenegro’s family law firm. Montenegro, who intends to seek reelection, has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he transferred control of the firm to his wife and children upon becoming Social Democratic leader in 2022 and has had no involvement in its management since. Recently, reports emerged that the firm has been receiving monthly payments from a company holding a significant government-granted gambling concession, among other revenue sources. The exact vote tally was not immediately available, but parliamentary speaker José Pedro Aguiar-Branco confirmed the centre-right government had been defeated. Moscow faces ‘massive’ drone attack ahead of US-Ukraine peace talks The governing two-party coalition, led by the Social Democratic Party and in power for less than a year, controlled only 80 seats in the 230-seat legislature. A vast majority of opposition lawmakers had pledged to vote against it, with the centre-left Socialists and Chega—together holding 128 seats—leading the charge. Opposition parties have demanded further clarification from Montenegro, while the Socialist Party is pushing for a parliamentary inquiry that could continue to trouble the government for months. The Social Democrats hope that Portugal’s economic performance—an estimated 1.9% growth last year compared to the EU’s 0.8% average, and a 6.4% unemployment rate, close to the EU average—will help sustain their support. The next general election had originally been scheduled for January 2028.

The Trump administration lifted its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing for Ukraine, and Kyiv signaled that it was open to a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia, pending Moscow’s agreement, American and Ukrainian officials said Tuesday following talks in Saudi Arabia. The administration's decision marked a sharp shift from only a week ago, when it imposed the measures in an apparent effort to push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to enter talks to end the war with invading Russian forces. The suspension of U.S. assistance came days after Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump argued about the conflict in a tense White House meeting. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the U.S. delegation to the talks in Jeddah, said Washington would present the ceasefire offer to the Kremlin, which has so far opposed anything short of a permanent end to the conflict without accepting any concessions. “We’re going to tell them this is what’s on the table. Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. And now it’ll be up to them to say yes or no," Rubio told reporters after the talks. “If they say no, then we’ll unfortunately know what the impediment is to peace here.” Trump's national security adviser, Mike Waltz, added: "The Ukrainian delegation today made something very clear, that they share President Trump’s vision for peace.” Tuesday's discussions, which lasted for nearly eight hours, appeared to put to rest — for the moment at least — the animosity between Trump and Zelenskyy that erupted during the Oval Office meeting last month. Ukraine-US talks begin in KSA amid ongoing conflict Waltz said the negotiators “got into substantive details on how this war is going to permanently end,” including long-term security guarantees. And, he said, Trump agreed to immediately lift the pause in the supply of billions of dollars of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing. Seeking a deal with Russia Trump said he hoped that an agreement could be solidified “over the next few days.” “I’ve been saying that Russia’s been easier to deal with so far than Ukraine, which is not supposed to be the way it is," Trump said later Tuesday. "But it is, and we hope to get Russia. But we have a full ceasefire from Ukraine. That’s good.” The Kremlin had no immediate comment on the U.S. and Ukrainian statements. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said only that negotiations with U.S. officials could take place this week. Trump 's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel later this week to Moscow, where he could meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a person familiar with the matter but not authorized to comment publicly. The person cautioned that scheduling could change. Officials met in Saudi Arabia only hours after Russia shot down over 300 Ukrainian drones in Ukraine’s biggest attack since the Kremlin's full-scale invasion. Neither U.S. nor Ukrainian officials offered any comment on the barrage. Russia also launched 126 drones and a ballistic missile at Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force said, as part of Moscow’s relentless pounding of civilian areas. Zelenskyy renews calls for lasting peace In an address posted shortly after Tuesday's talks ended, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to a lasting peace, emphasizing that the country has sought an end to the war since its outset. “Our position is absolutely clear: Ukraine has strived for peace from the very first second of this war, and we want to do everything possible to achieve it as soon as possible — securely and in a way that ensures war does not return,” Zelenskyy said. Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak, who led the Ukrainian delegation, described the negotiations as positive. He said the two countries “share the same vision, and that we are moving in the same direction toward the just peace long awaited by all Ukrainians.” In Kyiv, Lena Herasymenko, a psychologist, accepts that compromises will be necessary to end the war, but she said they must be “reasonable.” Moscow faces ‘massive’ drone attack ahead of US-Ukraine peace talks “We had massive losses during this war, and we don’t know yet how much more we’ll have,” she told The Associated Press. “We are suffering every day. Our kids are suffering, and we don’t know how the future generation will be affected.” Oleksandr, a Ukrainian soldier who could give only his first name because of security restrictions, warned that Ukraine cannot let down its guard. “If there is a ceasefire, it would only give Russia time to increase its firepower, manpower, missiles and other arms. Then they would attack Ukraine again,” he said. Hawkish Russians push back against a ceasefire In Moscow, hawkish politicians and military bloggers spoke strongly against a prospective ceasefire, arguing that it would play into Kyiv’s hands and damage Moscow’s interests at a time when the Russian military has the advantage. “A ceasefire isn’t what we need,” wrote hardline ideologue Alexander Dugin. Viktor Sobolev, a retired general who is a member of the Russian parliament’s lower house, warned that a 30-day truce would allow Ukraine to beef up arms supplies and regroup its troops before resuming hostilities. Sergei Markov, a pro-Kremlin political commentator, suggested that Moscow could demand a halt on Western arms supplies to Ukraine as part of a ceasefire. “An embargo on arms supplies to Ukraine could be a condition for a truce,” he wrote. The Kremlin sticks to its conditions for peace Russia has not publicly offered any concessions. Putin has repeatedly declared that Moscow wants a comprehensive settlement, not a temporary truce. Russia has said it’s ready to cease hostilities on the condition that Ukraine drops its bid to join NATO and recognizes regions that Moscow occupies as Russian. Russia has captured nearly a fifth of Ukraine's territory. What to know ahead of the talks between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia Russian forces have held the battlefield momentum for more than a year, though at a high cost in infantry and armor, and are pushing at selected points along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, especially in the eastern Donetsk region. Ukraine has invested heavily in developing its arms industry, especially high-tech drones that have reached deep into Russia.