What were the key developments in the recent US-Russia talks held in Saudi Arabia regarding the Ukraine conflict?

The US-Russia diplomatic talks were held in Saudi Arabia amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with US President Trump expressing confidence about a potential peace deal. Notably, Ukraine itself was not invited to participate in these discussions, despite being the primary subject of negotiations. Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains tense, with Russian President Putin claiming troops have crossed into Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region (though Kyiv denies this), and Odesa facing severe Russian drone attacks that have disrupted power and heat during winter. These developments highlight the disconnect between diplomatic efforts and the reality of continued hostilities.