The U.S. and Russia are holding talks in Saudi Arabia on a Black Sea ceasefire
American and Russian negotiators have convened in Riyadh for discussions on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. The closed-door talks at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel follow U.S. consultations with a Ukrainian delegation on stabilizing the front lines and implementing a proposed 30-day armistice.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the limited scope of discussions, noting that “a great many different aspects [of a ceasefire] are still to be worked through.”
Russia, facing Ukrainian drone attacks, has moved its Black Sea fleet away from the Crimean port city of Sevastopol, while continuing strikes on Ukrainian ports. Shipping routes through the territorial waters of NATO members remain vital for Ukrainian exports.
Ukraine has endorsed President Trump’s ceasefire proposal and provided Washington with a list of key sites requiring protection. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov remains in Riyadh for potential follow-up meetings.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed that talks include the potential renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which Russia exited in 2023. Moscow seeks assurances that unmet commitments to Russia will be addressed. U.S. officials prioritize maritime stability, with negotiations expected to expand toward broader security guarantees, though an immediate breakthrough remains uncertain.
‘Mission: Impossible’ composer Lalo Schifrin dies at 93
Argentine pianist and composer Lalo Schifrin, best known for his scores for Mission: Impossible and more than 200 other films and TV shows, including Bullitt, Mannix and Cool Hand Luke, has died.
Bill Moyers, the former White House press secretary turned acclaimed TV journalist, dead at 91
Bill Moyers, the former White House press secretary who became one of television's most honored journalists, has died at 91.
Obliterated? Damaged? Inoperable? What’s known about Iran’s nuclear facilities
Iran's nuclear program has been dealt a blow, here's an overview of the current state of its facilities.
Are you a military veteran who has been charged money to apply for VA benefits?
If you're a veteran who has been charged a fee to get help on your application for a VA disability rating or other benefits, NPR wants to hear from you!
As Anna Wintour shifts her focus, ‘Vogue’ is looking for a new U.S. editor
Vogue magazine in the U.S. will soon have a new editorial head. Anna Wintour announced that, after nearly 40 years in the position, she will be focus on her wider roles at Vogue and Condé Nast.
Asked to flag ‘negative’ National Park content, visitors gave their own 2 cents instead
Signs installed earlier in National Parks earlier in June asked for feedback on signs "that are negative about past or living Americans." Comments viewed by NPR didn't provide the requested feedback.