US “SHUTTLE” diplomacy will see it negotiate between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia starting today.

The negotiations cover proposals for a partial ceasefire, including in the Black Sea, as well as a potential longer-term peace. On the eve of talks Russia kept up its bombardment of Ukrainian cities, with a barrage of drones striking Kiev and other cities killing seven, including a five-year-old child, overnight on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff told talk show host Tucker Carlson that a temporary deal was close but a lasting peace more elusive as “the elephant in the room” concerned territory Russia has conquered from Ukraine.