JEDDAH – Recent negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between officials from the United States and Ukraine have culminated in a tentative agreement for a 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia, contingent upon Moscow's response.
Reports indicate that the administration of President
Donald Trump has decided to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following these discussions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the ceasefire proposal would be communicated to the Kremlin, indicating Ukraine's readiness to pause hostilities and engage in dialogue.
Rubio stated, 'We’re going to tell them this is what’s on the table.
Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking.
Now it’ll be up to them to say yes or no.'
The negotiations were facilitated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and included the presence of senior Saudi officials, including Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.
The US delegation comprised Secretary of State Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, while Ukraine was represented by top officials including Andriy Yermak, head of the presidential office, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Saudi Arabia’s involvement is framed within its broader initiative to mediate the conflict, reflecting its diplomatic relationships with various stakeholders and its commitment to enhancing global security.
The Kingdom's stance emphasizes adherence to international laws and the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes.
Following the discussions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating the negotiations and highlighted ongoing humanitarian aid initiatives from Riyadh directed towards Ukraine.
A joint statement released after the talks underscored the willingness of both the US and Ukraine to embark on a comprehensive peace process.
It emphasized the significance of humanitarian relief efforts during the proposed ceasefire and outlined intentions to negotiate the return of prisoners and displaced civilians as part of the broader peace framework.
The United States pledged to address the specific peace proposals directly with Russia while ensuring European partners remain involved in the negotiations.
The statement concluded with a commitment to establish agreements focused on the development of Ukraine's critical mineral resources, aimed at fostering long-term economic stability for the country.
This diplomatic effort represents a critical step in addressing the ongoing crisis and restoring stability in the region, pending the response from Russia regarding the proposed ceasefire.