JEDDAH, March 11 – The United States has agreed to reinstate military assistance and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine following Kyiv’s declaration of support for a proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia. The announcement came after prolonged discussions between American and Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the delegation, stated that the next step would be to present the ceasefire plan to Russia, placing the decision in Moscow’s hands.
“Our hope is that the Russians respond positively as soon as possible so we can move to the next phase—true negotiations for lasting peace,” Rubio stated.
The ceasefire proposal marks a crucial turning point in the ongoing war, which has lasted over three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Despite recent territorial gains, Moscow continues to hold significant portions of Ukrainian land, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
Rubio reaffirmed that Washington aims to reach a comprehensive peace agreement as quickly as possible. “Every day this conflict continues, more lives are lost, and the suffering deepens on both sides,” he emphasized.
Uncertainty Over Russia’s Response
Although Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously signaled a willingness to engage in diplomatic talks, he has also been firm in rejecting a short-term ceasefire. Putin has made it clear that any peace arrangement must align with Russia’s long-term security interests.
“There should not be a temporary truce that allows for regrouping and rearmament, but a lasting peace agreement,” Putin had earlier stated.
Russia’s demands have included the full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four regions that Moscow claims, a condition Kyiv has so far rejected. In a statement following the U.S.-Ukraine negotiations, a senior Russian lawmaker insisted that any deal must be made “on our terms, not American ones.”
Moscow’s foreign ministry acknowledged the discussions but did not confirm whether it would engage directly with U.S. officials on the ceasefire initiative.
Zelenskiy Welcomes the Ceasefire Plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was also in Saudi Arabia but did not participate in the talks, expressed cautious optimism about the proposal.
“This truce marks a positive move forward. It will apply to the entire front line, ensuring a reduction in hostilities on land, sea, and air,” Zelenskiy stated.
According to Ukrainian officials, the ceasefire would take effect immediately upon Russian agreement. Zelenskiy emphasized that the 30-day period would allow Ukraine and its allies to work on long-term security guarantees and finalize critical agreements to stabilize the region.
Rubio confirmed that Washington would deliver the proposal to Moscow through various diplomatic channels. Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, is expected to meet with his Russian counterpart in the coming days, while special envoy Steve Witkoff is preparing to visit Moscow for direct talks with President Putin.
Trump himself expressed hope for swift progress, stating that he expected to discuss the matter with Putin soon. “I hope we can settle this within the next few days,” he remarked during a White House event.
Shift in U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
The agreement to resume security support marks a notable shift in U.S. policy. Just weeks ago, tensions between Washington and Kyiv had reached a breaking point, with military assistance and intelligence-sharing put on hold following a tense meeting between President Trump and Zelenskiy.
However, Tuesday’s joint statement between the two nations indicated renewed cooperation. A key element of their agreement includes finalizing a long-pending deal for developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. The deal had been left in limbo due to previous disagreements but now appears back on track.
Trump, who has previously been skeptical of continued U.S. aid to Ukraine, signaled a more conciliatory approach by inviting Zelenskiy back to the White House for further discussions.
Following the announcement, Ukrainian officials confirmed that U.S. military support and intelligence-sharing had resumed, bolstering Kyiv’s ability to defend itself amid ongoing Russian offensives.
European Nations Weigh In
The renewed U.S.-Ukraine partnership has also drawn responses from European allies. A senior aide to Zelenskiy revealed that security guarantees for Ukraine were among the key topics discussed in Jeddah. Some European nations have expressed willingness to participate in a broader security framework, with discussions ongoing about the potential deployment of troops as part of a long-term stabilization effort.
In their joint statement, the U.S. and Ukraine emphasized the importance of European involvement in the peace process. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is set to visit the White House later this week to discuss next steps.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also engaged with European counterparts following the Jeddah talks. “This was a milestone meeting, and I have already spoken with several European ministers about the outcomes,” Sybiha stated.
On Wednesday, he will travel to Poland, a key NATO ally that has been among Ukraine’s strongest supporters since the start of the war. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed the developments, stating, “The U.S. and Ukraine have taken a significant step towards peace, and Europe stands ready to support efforts for a just and lasting resolution.”
Battlefield Tensions Continue
Despite the diplomatic progress, fighting on the ground remains intense. Ukrainian forces are under heavy pressure in the northeastern regions, where Russian troops have launched an aggressive push. Reports indicate that Russia aims to secure additional territory ahead of potential peace negotiations.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has continued its counteroffensive efforts, carrying out a significant drone attack on Moscow and its surrounding regions. The attack, reportedly the largest of its kind, resulted in casualties and temporary disruptions at several Russian airports.
As the situation unfolds, the ceasefire proposal presents a potential opportunity for de-escalation, but its success hinges on Moscow’s willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations. With diplomatic efforts accelerating, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the war enters a new phase of negotiation or continues on its current path of conflict.