Jeddah Ceasefire Talks: What’s Next for Ukraine and Russia?

U.S.-Ukraine Talks in Saudi Arabia: Key Developments and Outcomes

March 12, 2025 

Ukraine has agreed to a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, contingent upon Russia’s commitment to fulfilling its part of the agreement. In response, the United States pledged to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. The high-level discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have set the stage for potential peace negotiations, but much depends on Moscow’s reaction.

Key Takeaways from the U.S.-Ukraine Meeting in Jeddah

Following intensive talks, the U.S. and Ukraine issued a joint statement confirming Ukraine’s readiness to accept an immediate 30-day ceasefire, with the possibility of an extension, provided that Russia also commits to and complies with the agreed terms.

The U.S. vowed to inform Russian leadership that mutual cooperation is the foundation for achieving peace. Additionally, Washington announced the immediate resumption of intelligence-sharing and security assistance for Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the next move lies with Moscow. Should Russia reject the proposal, he warned, it would clarify what is obstructing the path to peace. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored the need for U.S. efforts to persuade Russia to agree to the plan.

Next Steps in Diplomatic Engagement

The U.S. aims to relay the Jeddah meeting’s outcomes to Russia “as soon as possible,” according to Rubio. Shortly afterward, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a meeting between American and Russian representatives is expected to take place later on Tuesday or Wednesday. Trump also expressed plans to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially as early as this week.

In a significant development, Trump confirmed that he would once again welcome Zelensky to the White House for further discussions.

Strategic and Humanitarian Implications

Beyond the ceasefire talks, the U.S. and Ukraine agreed to fast-track negotiations on a comprehensive agreement regarding Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. The discussions also highlighted the humanitarian aspect of the ongoing conflict, including prisoner exchanges, the release of detained civilians, and the repatriation of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia.

Ukraine also reiterated the importance of European participation in the negotiation process, recognizing the broader international implications of the conflict.

Analysis of the Jeddah Talks and Their Implications

According to BBC correspondent Svyatoslav Khomenko, the Jeddah negotiations signal a shift in Ukraine’s stance. Initially hesitant, Kyiv has now embraced a ceasefire initiative championed by Trump’s administration, setting aside earlier demands for security guarantees before agreeing to any truce.

Previously, Ukraine had advocated for a limited ceasefire in the air and at sea but not on land. However, the new agreement reflects an immediate and unconditional acceptance of a full ceasefire—an outcome Trump may perceive as a demonstration of Ukraine’s commitment to peace.

The logic behind this move aligns with Trump’s broader strategy: halting violence and preventing further loss of life. While past ceasefire agreements under the Minsk accords were repeatedly violated by Russia, Trump appears focused on the present rather than past breaches.

Furthermore, Trump is convinced that Putin genuinely wants to end the war, a belief that is driving the U.S. administration’s approach.

Will Russia Accept the Ceasefire Proposal?

The success of this initiative hinges on Russia’s response. Reports suggest that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Russia this week, marking a critical moment in the negotiations.

Putin has consistently stated that he will not end the war until all his military objectives are met, raising uncertainty about whether Moscow will accept the Jeddah proposal. Should Putin agree, it could pave the way for broader peace negotiations aimed at establishing long-term security for Ukraine.

Conversely, if Russia rejects or delays its response, the situation may evolve unpredictably. Trump’s ability to exert pressure on Putin will be tested, determining whether the U.S. can influence Moscow’s decision-making process.

Military Assistance and Intelligence Sharing Restored

For Ukraine, one of the most immediate gains from the Jeddah discussions is the resumption of U.S. intelligence-sharing and military support. Ukrainian military officials indicated that the previous suspension of this aid had affected combat readiness on the frontlines. The latest commitments from Washington are expected to boost Ukrainian morale and operational capacity.

How the Talks Unfolded in Jeddah

The discussions in Jeddah lasted over eight hours and involved key officials from both nations:

• Representing Ukraine: Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, along with Deputy Chief of Staff Pavlo Palis.

• Representing the U.S.: Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, both of whom had previously engaged in talks with Russian officials in Riyadh. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff was expected to attend but was not seen in published photographs from the meeting.

During a break in the talks, CNN reporters observed Rubio and Waltz at the Ritz-Carlton hotel, where the negotiations took place. Asked about the progress, Waltz briefly commented, “They are moving forward.”

Meanwhile, a senior Ukrainian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the discussions as productive, noting that many key issues had been addressed. Communications advisor Daria Zarivnaya echoed this sentiment on social media, reinforcing the positive tone of the meeting.

Following the talks, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt described the updates from Jeddah as “encouraging” and the discussions as “constructive.”