Jeddah: The United States has agreed to reinstate military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following discussions in which Kyiv expressed willingness to accept a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in its ongoing conflict with Russia, according to a joint statement released by both nations on Tuesday.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the proposal would now be presented to Moscow, emphasizing that the decision was in Russia’s hands.
“Our hope is that the Russians will answer ‘yes’ as quickly as possible, so we can get to the second phase of this, which is real negotiations,” Rubio told reporters after more than eight hours of talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, referencing U.S. President Donald Trump.
Path to Negotiations
The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, has seen Moscow make significant territorial gains, with Russian forces now controlling around one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea, annexed in 2014.
Rubio stressed that Washington sought a comprehensive agreement involving both Russia and Ukraine “as soon as possible.”
“Every day that goes by, this war continues, people die, people are bombed, people are hurt on both sides of this conflict,” he added.
However, Moscow’s response remains uncertain.
While Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated his openness to peace discussions, he and other Russian officials have repeatedly dismissed the idea of a ceasefire. The Kremlin has maintained that any agreement must safeguard Russia’s “long-term security.” Additionally, Putin has ruled out territorial concessions, demanding that Ukraine withdraw from four regions claimed and partially controlled by Russia.
On Tuesday, Russia’s foreign ministry stated that it did not rule out potential contacts with U.S. representatives.
Ukraine agreed to accept a US proposal for an immediate, 30-day ceasefire in the conflict with Russia https://t.co/xnzuaz5jb8 pic.twitter.com/JOdnrjdbXI
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 12, 2025
Zelenskiy Welcomes Ceasefire Proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was present in Saudi Arabia but did not participate in the negotiations, described the ceasefire as a “positive proposal” that encompasses the frontline and extends beyond air and naval warfare.
Zelenskiy noted that the ceasefire would take effect as soon as Russia agreed.
“When the agreements come into force, during these 30 days of ‘silence,’ we will have time to prepare with our partners at the level of working documents all the aspects for reliable peace and long-term security,” he said.
Rubio confirmed that the ceasefire proposal would be conveyed to Russian authorities through multiple diplomatic channels. Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is expected to meet his Russian counterpart in the coming days, while Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff plans to visit Moscow this week to hold discussions with Putin.
On Tuesday, Trump expressed hope for a swift resolution, stating he expected to speak with Putin soon.
“I hope it’ll be over the next few days,” he told reporters at a White House event promoting his close adviser Elon Musk’s Tesla car company.
Shift in U.S.-Ukraine Relations
The agreement represents a major shift following a tense White House meeting on February 28 between Trump—who has long been skeptical of U.S. aid to Ukraine—and Zelenskiy.
In their joint statement, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing a comprehensive agreement for the development of Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, an initiative that had stalled after the February meeting.
Following that encounter, the U.S. had halted intelligence sharing and weapons shipments to Ukraine, underscoring Trump’s willingness to pressure Kyiv while adopting a more conciliatory stance toward Moscow. However, on Tuesday, Trump signaled a change in approach, announcing he would invite Zelenskiy back to the White House.
Ukrainian officials later confirmed that both U.S. military assistance and intelligence sharing had resumed.
European Involvement and Battlefield Developments
A senior aide to Zelenskiy indicated that security guarantees for Ukraine were a key topic in discussions with U.S. officials. While Kyiv has consistently sought such assurances, some European nations have also expressed interest in exploring the deployment of peacekeeping forces.
The joint statement highlighted Ukraine’s insistence that European partners should play a role in the peace process. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday.
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“It seems like the Americans and Ukrainians have taken an important step towards peace. And Europe stands ready to help reach a just and lasting peace,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on X.
It seems like the Americans and Ukrainians have taken an important step towards peace. And Europe stands ready to help reach a just and lasting peace.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) March 11, 2025
Meanwhile, Waltz confirmed that the initial resumption of U.S. military aid would include equipment from existing stockpiles that had been approved under former U.S. President Joe Biden but were later suspended by Trump.
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As diplomatic efforts continue, Ukraine’s forces have faced mounting pressure on the battlefield. Russian troops have launched an offensive in the Kursk region, seeking to push out Ukrainian forces attempting to hold territory as leverage in negotiations.
At the same time, Ukraine has demonstrated its capacity to strike back. Overnight, Ukrainian forces launched their largest drone attack yet on Moscow and its surrounding areas. According to Russian authorities, 337 drones were intercepted over Russia, but the attack resulted in the deaths of three employees at a meat warehouse and caused temporary disruptions at Moscow’s four major airports.
