 "US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Head of Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, and Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov pose for a picture after their meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, March 11, 2025. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via Reuters")
After high-level talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine has signalled its willingness to accept a US-proposed ceasefire deal that aims to bring temporary relief to the ongoing war with Russia.
However, the crucial element still missing is Moscow’s agreement. The deal proposes an immediate 30-day ceasefire, extendable upon mutual agreement, alongside a resumption of US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Kyiv’s acceptance of the deal, stating, “we are ready to take this step,” but stated that Russia must also agree for it to take effect.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, declaring, “the ball is now in Russia’s court.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump affirmed his commitment to ending the war, stating, “we want to get the Ukraine war over with.”
What we know about the terms of the proposed ceasefire
As per the joint statement issued after the negotiations , the ceasefire would cover all active battlefronts, including ground, aerial, and naval engagements.
However, the statement makes no mention of territorial concessions — an issue that remains a key sticking point in previous negotiations. Ukraine had previously called for the return of all occupied lands, while the US had suggested that Kyiv might have to make some territorial compromises.
Additional agreements reached include humanitarian measures such as the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of detained civilians, and the repatriation of Ukrainian children who had been forcibly relocated to Russia.
Ukraine also highlighted the role of European partners in the peace process, with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte scheduled to visit the White House later this week.
“The delegations also discussed the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the above-mentioned ceasefire, including the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children,” the joint US-Ukraine statement said.
Further, the agreement revives a crucial deal on Ukraine’s mineral and rare earth resources, which had been stalled after a contentious White House meeting in February.
The US and Ukraine agreed to conclude this deal “as soon as possible” to bolster Kyiv’s economic stability and long-term security.
US restores military aid and intelligence sharing
The US has agreed to lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume military aid to Ukraine, which had been halted following Trump’s earlier dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy’s stance on negotiations.
The agreement signals a renewed US-Ukraine partnership, but it remains to be seen whether this will translate into a lasting peace deal.
Trump’s National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, is expected to meet his Russian counterpart in the coming days, while US special envoy Steve Witkoff plans to visit Moscow for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump himself expressed optimism about the process, saying he hopes for a swift resolution and is preparing to speak with Putin directly.
Moscow’s stance on the proposal
Russia has not yet formally responded to the ceasefire proposal. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov previously accused Zelenskyy of refusing serious negotiations, telling state news agency TASS that the Ukrainian president “does not want any ceasefire unless the Americans provide assurances of nuclear deterrence against Russia.”
Moscow has repeatedly expressed opposition to short-term ceasefires, with Putin insisting that any peace agreement must ensure Russia’s long-term security.
Reuters quoted a senior Russian lawmaker reinforced this position, who stated, “Any agreements — while requiring compromise — must be on our terms, not American ones.” The Kremlin has also previously demanded that Ukraine withdraw from four regions that Russia claims as its own.
Late on Monday, Russia launched air strikes on Kyiv , with Ukrainian air defence systems engaged in repelling the attack.
Ahead of the US-Ukraine talks, Russia was also hit by a “massive” Ukrainian drone attack overnight Tuesday.
Moscow said it had downed 343 drones it claimed Ukraine had fired at Russia, of which 91 were aimed at the Moscow region.
What this means for the future of the Russia-Ukraine war
The proposed ceasefire marks a significant shift in diplomatic dynamics. While Ukraine’s willingness to agree to a ceasefire has unlocked American military aid, the deal still hinges on Russia’s response.
Some analysts have warned that a short-term ceasefire could simply serve as a pause, allowing both sides to regroup rather than laying the groundwork for a lasting peace.
Additionally, concerns remain about Ukraine’s security guarantees post-conflict. Some European nations have indicated a willingness to explore direct military involvement as part of these guarantees, a development that could further complicate negotiations.
On the battlefield, Ukraine continues to face pressure, particularly in regions where Russian forces have launched fresh offensives . In response, Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow to date, demonstrating its continued capability to strike inside Russian territory.
Meanwhile, Russian missile and drone assaults on Ukrainian cities have caused heavy casualties, underscoring the ongoing devastation despite diplomatic efforts.
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With inputs from agencies