Kyiv moves towards peace talks while military aid to Ukraine resumes.
On March 11, 2025, the United States and Ukraine jointly announced that Kyiv has agreed to a U.S. proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire aimed at taking steps toward a sustainable peace following the Russian invasion.
The proposed ceasefire is contingent upon mutual consent from both parties and is subject to concurrent acceptance and implementation by Russia.
The U.S. has communicated to Moscow that reciprocal actions from Russia are essential for achieving peace.
During the meeting in Saudi Arabia, both sides also agreed to expedite a comprehensive agreement regarding the development of Ukraine's critical mineral resources.
The U.S. has committed to resuming military aid to Ukraine and to the immediate sharing of intelligence.
The Ukrainian presidency stated that the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations discussed the significance of humanitarian efforts as part of the peace process, especially during the proposed ceasefire.
Key points included the exchange of prisoners, the release of detained civilians, and the return of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly relocated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was present in Saudi Arabia but did not participate directly in the talks, described the ceasefire as a 'positive proposal' involving the front lines of the conflict, applicable not only to aerial and naval combat but also to ground forces.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, emphasized that it is now up to Russia to decide whether to accept the ceasefire with Ukraine, indicating that the U.S. would relay the proposal to Russian officials with hopes of reaching an agreement.
European leaders have welcomed the collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine, remarking on the potential for the ceasefire to be a step toward a comprehensive and just peace in Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa expressed encouragement regarding the agreement through statements made on social media following the U.S.-Ukrainian talks in Saudi Arabia.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the substantial progress made in the peace negotiations concerning Ukraine.
Zelensky called for Washington to 'persuade' Moscow to accept the proposed 30-day ceasefire, expressing optimism regarding the potential for the truce.
Additionally, President
Donald Trump indicated a likely discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the upcoming week, following Ukraine's acknowledgment of the U.S. ceasefire proposal.
Despite previous tensions between Trump and Zelensky, Trump affirmed that Zelensky would be welcome at the White House.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Moscow does not rule out discussions with U.S. officials concerning Ukraine in the coming days, responding to Trump's remarks about forthcoming U.S.-Russian talks on the matter.