US and Russian officials will begin talks in Saudi Arabia today aimed at bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he will "never accept" any decision made without Ukraine, but the Americans say this is just the opening salvo to suss out how serious Russia is about peace.

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Miroslav Jenca says all parties to the conflict must be included in the negotiations...

Meanwhile, a Russian official is accusing the EU of being 'blinded by Russophobia.'

European leaders held their own talks in Paris on Monday.

But Vasily Nebenzya has ruled out any European involvement in Ukraine peace negotiations, ahead of today’s meeting between the US and the Kremlin in Saudi Arabia...

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis resident originally from Irpin, Mariya Nikishanova, and Newmarket-on-Fergus Native and Professor of Politics at DCU, Donnacha O’Beacháin.

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