**Russia and US Hold Secret Talks to Reduce Tensions**
The director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergey Naryshkin, had a phone call with CIA Director John Ratcliffe on March 11. They talked about reducing confrontation between Moscow and Washington.
According to Russian media outlet Kommersant, the two intelligence agencies agreed to keep talking to help ensure international stability and security. This is good news for those who want peace in Ukraine.
This conversation follows talks between US and Russia leaders in Istanbul on February 27 and Riyadh on February 18. These talks were part of a push by former President Donald Trump to make peace between Ukraine and Russia.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said it hopes these discussions will “strengthen trust” between Moscow and Washington. But some people in Ukraine and Europe are worried that the US is not doing enough to support its allies.
**Russia Advances in Eastern Ukraine**
Russian forces have entered the eastern part of Sudzha, a town in Ukraine, and are setting up their positions. This comes as Ukrainian officials are talking about a possible ceasefire agreement with Russia.
Any ceasefire deal would need to take into account Russia’s military gains on the battlefield and provide guarantees for Moscow.
