Part 3/11:
Despite this setback, Ukraine astutely resumed negotiations, proposing a new unconditional ceasefire during discussions held in Saudi Arabia. The Ukrainian Defense Minister emphasized that the intent was not merely to freeze combat but to forge a path toward genuine peace, which included the potential for the exchange of prisoners and the rehabilitation of Ukrainian children. However, Moscow's response was dismissive, as President Vladimir Putin seemingly accepted the idea yet imposed conditions that would preclude any real progress—essentially arguing that peace requires the fundamental reconfiguration of the existing crisis, aligning with Russia's broader agenda for Ukraine.