BBC News pauses for Donald Trump 'breaking' update as Russia issues major warning

BBC News issued a major update about Donald Trump's ongoing talks with Russian and Ukraine to end the war. Presenter Geeta Guru shared the "breaking news" announcement on Monday's (March 24) edition of the programme, revealing the talks have continued in Saudi Arabia. The 57-year-old told viewers: "Talks aimed at ending Russia's war on Ukraine have resumed in Saudi Arabia with president Trump's envoy saying he's confident that real progress can be made.

"But even before its delegation arrived at the venue in Riyadh this morning, Russia warned of difficult negotiations ahead and any agreement this week is likely to fall short of a full ceasefire." The newsreader continued: "Last night, the US officials met their Ukrainian counterparts for talks described by Kiev as 'productive and focused'. Russian strikes on Ukraine have continued overnight. The airforce says that it shot down 57 of 99 drones launched into its territory."

Guru then handed over to security correspondent Frank Gardner, who was reporting live from Riyadh.

He explained: "I think the US negotiators have had to scale back their ambitions. Initially they had hoped to secure a 30 day comprehensive ceasefire on land, sea and air – the Ukrainians have signed up to that but not the Russians."

Gardner admitted the US are giving the Russians "a lot of leeway" due to their preconditions. He continued: "What today's talks are about is aiming at an impartial, limited ceasefire, securing Black Sea's shipping lanes.

"Russia wants to revive a 2022 deal that sees Ukraine exporting its grain through the Black Sea from its port. In return, Russia would also be allowed to export its farm produce and fertiliser and have some sanctions relief."

The correspondent added that the main aim is to secure this deal, but clarified it is not the 30-day ceasefire that the US were hoping for. Despite this, Guru referenced comments made by Steve Witkoff, who claimed this deal is significant and will get the US towards a 30-day ceasefire.

Gardner agreed, saying: "He's right there, this is about confidence building. So far, they haven't managed to get Russia and Ukraine to agree on anything and you've got a potentially facical situation here."

He added: "You've got the Russian, Ukrainian and American delegations all in the same building complex." Gardner revealed the Russian and Ukrainian delegations are being kept apart, adding that the talks have been somewhat of a "wake-up call" for the US.

"This is not a simple process," he declared. "It is highly complex and this is not an easy war to end."