Ukrainian and U.S. officials met in Saudi Arabia
Ukrainian officials met with U.S. envoys yesterday in Saudi Arabia to discuss a possible limited cease-fire in the war with Russia. Russian and U.S. representatives are scheduled to speak today. Here’s what to know.
The talks, held in Riyadh, were expected to focus on the temporary halt by both sides of strikes on energy infrastructure, and on safety for shipping in the Black Sea. A Ukrainian official said the Kyiv delegation might hold additional discussions with U.S. officials today.
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s personal envoy to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, has said that the ultimate goal of the talks is a 30-day full cease-fire that would potentially allow time for negotiations toward a permanent truce.
What’s next: The path to a truce has been shaky, with both sides ready to continue fighting. Moscow continues to insist on maximalist positions, including territorial control and ensuring that Ukraine never joins NATO. Kyiv has said that it will not concede to the Kremlin’s demands, and has accused Putin of stalling for time.
Attacks continue: At least three people were killed during a large Russian drone attack on Kyiv, officials said yesterday. In recent months, Russia has intensified strikes on the capital.
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Israel expanded its Gaza offensive
Israeli forces yesterday were expanding their Gaza offensive into the north and south of the enclave, issuing evacuation orders for people who had only just returned home. Israel’s military said that it had carried out airstrikes against Hamas targets and infrastructure.
Gaza’s Health Ministry said that 39 people were killed in Israeli bombardments over the past day. Hamas announced that Israel had killed a senior member of its political bureau, Salah al-Bardawil. The Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza warned of “imminent danger threatening the lives” of more than 50,000 people in the southern city of Rafah.
Political turmoil: The Israeli cabinet yesterday passed a no-confidence motion against the country’s attorney general, beginning the process of dismissing her. In a letter, the attorney general said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government sought to put itself “above the law.”
Ramadan among ruins: After months of death, destruction and deprivation, many in Gaza met to celebrate this time of fasting and prayer. Here are photos of how they have navigated this year’s holiday, with heartbreak.
Britain’s leader on Trump, Putin and a changed world
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain has turned from a methodical human rights lawyer and politician into something akin to a wartime leader. In conversations with our London bureau chief, Starmer spoke about how the tectonic shifts in America’s dynamics with Europe and Russia needed to be a “galvanizing moment.”
The prime minister also discussed Russia’s leader, Britain’s unshakable relationship with the U.S. and the urgent need to think about security and defense. Read the interview here.
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Mayhem, a Norwegian black metal band, released the genre’s defining album in 1994. During those early years, coverage of the band was overshadowed by lurid tabloid headlines about murder and church burnings. But in the decades since, Mayhem has shown startling artistic longevity and influence. This year, they’re touring for their 40th anniversary.
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That’s it for today. See you tomorrow. — Emmett
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