Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States, following more than eight hours of high-level peace talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The agreement, which includes the lifting of a U.S. military aid pause, is seen as a major step toward de-escalating the three-year-long conflict. It also helps to bridge the transatlantic divide that had deepened between the U.S. and European allies in recent months.
In a statement following the meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine had accepted the U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, which covers the entire front line of the fighting with Russia—not just air and sea operations, as initially suggested.
“Ukraine accepts this proposal, we consider it positive, we are ready to take such a step, and the United States of America must convince Russia to do so,” Zelenskyy stated after the talks in Jeddah. He emphasized that the ceasefire would begin once Moscow agrees to it, underscoring that the initiative depends on Russia’s willingness to reciprocate.
Zelenskyy, who did not directly participated in the Jeddah talks, said that “Our position is absolutely clear: Ukraine has been striving for peace from the first moment of the war, and we want to do everything to achieve peace as quickly and reliably as possible — so that there is no more war,” Zelenskyy said. “Ukraine is ready for peace. Russia must also show whether it is ready to end the war — or continue it. The time has come for the whole truth,” Zelenskyy concluded.
“The ball is now in Russia’s court”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the onus is now on Russia to take steps to end the war. “We hope that they’ll say yes, that they’ll say yes to peace. The ball is now in their court,” Rubio said, indicating that Moscow’s response will be crucial in determining the course of future negotiations.
“The Ukrainian delegation today made something very clear, that they share President Trump’s vision for peace, they share his determination to end the fighting, to end the killing, to end the tragic meat grinder of people,” White House national security adviser Michael Waltz said after the meetings.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who played a key role in the diplomatic breakthrough, also expressed support for the agreement, stating that he would discuss the ceasefire proposal with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days. “I’ve been saying that Russia’s been easier to deal with so far than Ukraine, which is not supposed to be the way it is,” Trump said. “But it is, and we hope to get Russia. But we have a full ceasefire from Ukraine. That’s good.”
Russia had no immediate comment on the U.S. and Ukrainian talks. However, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that negotiations with U.S. officials could take place this week.
US restores military support to Ukraine
Following the successful discussions, the United States announced that it would lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine. The United States said in a joint statement with Ukraine following the meeting in Jeddah that it would “immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine” following the positive reception of the ceasefire proposal.
Rubio confirmed that the United States would immediately resume military assistance and intelligence sharing it had cut off to pressure its wartime partner following a disastrous February 28 meeting when Trump criticized Zelenskyy and accused him of “gambling with World War Three”. Earlier, Trump called Zelenskyy a “dictator”, a reference to the pausing of elections in Ukraine under martial law. Zelensky, in turn, accused Trump of living in a Russian “disinformation bubble”.
Jeddah talks—a diplomatic breakthrough
The Jeddah talks marked a significant improvement in relations after the row between Trump and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. The deal reached between the U.S. and Ukraine is a significant diplomatic shift. Not only does it represent a potential turning point in the war, but it also signals a renewed commitment to peace talks between the U.S. and Ukraine.
The meeting in Saudi Arabia involved key figures, including Ukraine’s Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelensky’s office; Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Rustem Umerov, the country’s Minister of Defense. The U.S. delegation was led by Marco Rubio, alongside National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. The two sides released a joint statement announcing an “immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire,” with the possibility of extending the agreement by mutual consent.
Despite the positive development, the future of the ceasefire remains uncertain, as it is ultimately contingent on Russia’s acceptance. Analysts suggest that the proposal puts significant pressure on Russia, with Ukraine and the U.S. now presenting a unified front.
This proposal is seen by many as a strategic move by Zelenskyy, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position on the global stage and forcing Russia into a difficult position.
Europe welcomes US-Ukraine talks and ceasefire proposal
The agreement Tuesday was immediately praised by U.S. allies in Europe, including the leaders of the European Commission and the European Council. “This is a positive development that can be a step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” the leaders said in a joint statement. “The ball is now in Russia’s court.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the “remarkable breakthrough” in talks between the U.S. and Ukraine. “This is an important moment for peace in Ukraine and we now all need to redouble our efforts to get to a lasting and secure peace as soon as possible,” he said. Keir added: “As both American and Ukrainian delegations have said, the ball is now in the Russian court. Russia must now agree to a ceasefire and an end to the fighting too.”
European Council President Antonio Costa welcomed the ceasefire proposal as “a positive development that can be a step towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the US-Ukraine talks as a “major turning point” in Ukraine’s pursuit of lasting peace and security. “It is now up to Russia to end its war of aggression,” she said. Baerbock also reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to standing by Ukraine and called on Russia to end its aggression.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted that “It seems like the Americans and Ukrainians have taken an important step towards peace,” assuring that Europe is ready to assist in achieving a just resolution.
Saudi Arabia’s role as a mediator
While Zelenskyy steered clear of the meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials, he visited Riyadh, where he held a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hours earlier.
Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that he had a “good meeting” with Saudi Crown Prince on both regional and international issues. “I am grateful for his wise perspective on the international situation and his support for Ukraine. Hearing his confidence in Ukraine’s future was very important,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram. He said they discussed “all key issues on the agenda, both bilaterally and with other partners,” praising the prince’s role in “bringing real peace closer.”
I had a good meeting with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman. I am grateful for his wise perspective on global affairs and support for Ukraine. It was especially important to hear words of confidence in Ukraine’s future.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 10, 2025
We discussed all key issues on the… pic.twitter.com/BiBnaKViPl
The timing of this diplomatic engagement highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a neutral mediator in international conflicts. The Kingdom has worked to establish itself as a key platform for dialogue in the region, aiming to maintain open channels of communication with all parties involved.
The proposal marks a rare opportunity for peace, but the next steps are critical. As both sides await Russia’s response, the world will be watching closely to see whether Moscow accepts the ceasefire or continues its aggressive stance. The international community is holding its breath, hoping that this moment of diplomacy will lead to a lasting resolution to the devastating war.