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After more than eight hours of talks with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US would bring an offer for a ceasefire lasting 30 days in Ukraine, which has been accepted by Ukrainian officials, to Russia.
The United States also agreed to continue providing military aid and sharing intelligence with Ukraine after previously suspending the assistance and engaging in bilateral talks with Russia in a long-standing US policy reversal in Ukraine.
Secretary Rubio stated that the US will now bring the jointly signed offer to Russia, and the ball is in Moscow's court.
What Does the Agreement Entail?
Ukraine expressed its readiness to accept the US proposal to implement a temporary 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended with the mutual agreement of both parties, as stated in the joint statement, Reuters reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in a video address later that evening that the US proposed a full temporary ceasefire, halting missile, drone, and bomb attacks not only in the Black Sea, but also along the front lines. "Ukraine is prepared to accept this proposal - we see it as a positive step and are ready to accept it," said Zelensky.
What Else Has Been Agreed Upon?
The United States stated that it will promptly lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine. Ukrainian officials stated on Tuesday night that the aid and intelligence sharing have been resumed.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, the two countries said that they agreed to expedite a comprehensive agreement to develop Ukraine's crucial mineral resources.
The mineral agreement had been worked on for weeks and was thrown into uncertainty following a heated meeting at the White House on February 28 between US President Donald Trump, who had long been skeptical of aid to Ukraine, and Zelensky.
Both sides also emphasized the importance of humanitarian efforts as part of the peace process, especially during the ceasefire, including prisoner of war exchanges, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly displaced Ukrainian children.
Both sides agreed to name their negotiating teams and promptly commence peace negotiations.
What Happens Next?
This agreement is subject to simultaneous acceptance and implementation by Russia. US officials stated that they will bring the agreement to Moscow.
Trump's national security adviser, Mike Waltz, will meet with his Russian counterpart in the coming days, and Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, will visit Moscow this week to meet with Putin.
Trump stated that he may speak with Putin later this week and hopes for a lasting ceasefire to be negotiated in the coming days.
What Is the Kremlin's Response?
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia is awaiting guidance from Washington. He did not rule out the possibility of a telephone conversation between President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump if necessary.
Moscow assumes that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Donald Trump, Mike Waltz, will provide a brief on the negotiation details in Saudi Arabia. A meeting is planned in the coming days, to be announced by the Kremlin.
A senior Russian source earlier told Reuters that Russia needs to negotiate the terms of the ceasefire and obtain some form of guarantee. He said it would be difficult for Putin to agree to this proposal in its current form. "Putin has a strong position because Russia is advancing," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, to Reuters.
How Is the World Reacting?
Citing Al Jazeera, Germany welcomed Ukraine's support for the proposed 30-day ceasefire plan by the US, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz stating that this is a "significant and appropriate step towards a fair peace for Ukraine... Now it's up to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin."
China hopes that "all parties, through dialogue and negotiation, will find a sustainable and lasting peace plan that takes into account the concerns of each party," according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning.
French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the progress made in Jeddah and reaffirmed France's dedication to achieving a solid and lasting peace, supported by "strong security guarantees for Ukraine".
President of the European Council Antonio Costa praised the ceasefire proposal as a "positive development that could be a step towards a comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace for Ukraine". He emphasized that "the European Union is ready to play its full role, along with its partners, in the upcoming peace negotiations".
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