Ukrainian President accused Moscow of prolonging the war, as representatives from Kyiv and Washington gathered in Saudi Arabia to begin the latest round of negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine.

Russia is the only one dragging this war out. Since March 11, a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table – and these attacks could have already stopped. But it is Russia that continues all this…

Without pressure on Russia, those in Moscow will continue to show contempt for real diplomacy and keep destroying lives”, - said Volodymyr Zelensk.

Ukrainian and US representatives met for initial talks in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

“The talks were constructive and informative - we discussed important issues, especially in the energy sector”, - Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov wrote on Facebook. He had earlier said that the talks with US representatives were to focus on measures to protect energy facilities and critical infrastructure, and that the Ukrainian delegation included energy experts as well as military representatives from the naval and air divisions.

“The work of delegations continues. But no matter what we"re discussing with our partners right now, Putin must be pushed to issue a real order to stop the strikes – because the one who brought this war must be the one to take it back”, - added Volodymyr Zelensky.