Meanwhile, European Union leaders backed new defense spending plans after the Trump administration signaled Europe would have to fend for itself.

European Union leaders on Thursday committed to working together to bolster the continent’s defenses and to free up hundreds of billions of euros for security after U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated warnings that he would cut them adrift to face the threat of Russia alone.

As U.S. and Ukrainian officials prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia this week, President Donald Trump has privately made clear to aides that a signed minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv won’t be enough to restart aid and intelligence sharing with the war-torn country,

David Lammy has condemned the latest Russian strikes on Ukraine as “abhorrent” after at least 20 people were killed in a series of strikes on Saturday. | ITV National News

Ukrainian president shares details of upcoming meeting between American and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia for negotiating peace talks

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed strong appreciation for the support Ukraine has received during a European leaders summit in London on March 2, focused on Ukraine's future and its relationship with Europe.

The Ukrainian President announced his visit to Saudi Arabia next week, stating that after his meeting with the Crown Prince on Monday.