U.S. and Ukraine Discuss Ceasefire in Jeddah Talks, Resume Intelligence Sharing and Aid
Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, that he intends to hold a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week to discuss a peace agreement.
JEDDAH—On March 11, 2025, the United States held talks in Saudi Arabia with Ukrainian officials to address the ongoing conflict with Russia. Hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the meetings aimed to explore pathways to peace and strengthen bilateral ties.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the American delegation, meeting with Ukrainian counterparts, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, to discuss ceasefire proposals and long-term security arrangements.
Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, that he intends to hold a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week to discuss the ongoing peace process. Trump emphasized the importance of direct communication to advance the ceasefire proposal and secure Russia’s cooperation, expressing optimism about achieving a swift resolution to the conflict.
Secretary Rubio described the discussions as productive, stating, "I had an important meeting in Jeddah today with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and thanked him for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality in hosting this week’s meetings on Ukraine as we press for peace. We also talked at great length about ways our countries can advance our shared interests and continue working to address conflicts across the region to increase stability and prosperity."
Rubio emphasized the U.S. commitment to facilitating dialogue, noting that the talks focused on understanding Ukraine’s position and identifying potential concessions from both sides.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed this sentiment, calling the meeting a "serious step forward" for peace efforts and the U.S.-Ukraine partnership. "This is what a frank, open, and constructive dialogue brings," Sybiha said, thanking Rubio, National Security Advisor Michael G. Waltz, and Saudi hosts for their contributions.
The discussions built on Ukraine’s stated goal of ending the war swiftly and reliably, a position reiterated by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky, briefed by his delegation, outlined Ukraine’s priorities: "Our position remains absolutely clear: Ukraine has been seeking peace from the very first second of this war, and we want to do everything to achieve it as soon as possible and in a reliable way—so that war does not return."
He highlighted three key proposals presented to the U.S.: halting missile strikes, bombs, and drone attacks; ensuring safety at sea; and implementing confidence-building measures, such as prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia.
Zelensky noted that the U.S. delegation responded positively to these ideas and expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for enabling constructive talks. A significant development emerged when the U.S. proposed a 30-day interim ceasefire, covering not only aerial and maritime hostilities but also the entire front line.
The Ukrainian President confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to accept this proposal, stating, "We see it as a positive step and are ready to take it." He added that the next step depends on the U.S. convincing Russia to agree, with an immediate ceasefire possible if Russia complies.
The talks also extended to Saudi Arabia’s role. On March 10, Zelensky met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, praising his "wise perspective on global affairs and support for Ukraine." Their discussions covered bilateral cooperation, economic investment in Ukraine’s security, energy, and infrastructure sectors, and Saudi Arabia’s broader diplomatic efforts.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of prisoner releases and child repatriation as trust-building measures, alongside talks on security guarantees and Ukraine’s reconstruction.
A joint U.S.-Ukraine statement released on March 11 outlined the meeting’s outcomes. Both nations commended Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and reaffirmed their commitment to peace. Ukraine expressed gratitude to President Trump, the U.S. Congress, and the American public for supporting progress toward a resolution.
The statement confirmed Ukraine’s acceptance of the 30-day ceasefire proposal, contingent on Russia’s participation, and noted that the U.S. would resume intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine immediately. Humanitarian efforts, including prisoner exchanges and the return of detainees, were identified as priorities during any ceasefire.
The delegations agreed to appoint negotiating teams to pursue a lasting peace agreement, with the U.S. pledging to engage Russia on these terms. Ukraine stressed the inclusion of European partners in the process. Additionally, both countries’ presidents committed to finalizing an agreement on developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources to bolster its economy and offset U.S. assistance costs.
Ahead of the talks, Rubio addressed the press on March 10 while en route to Jeddah, expressing cautious optimism. He underscored the need for mutual concessions, stating, "You’re not going to get a ceasefire and an end to this war unless both sides make concessions. That’s just obvious."
While specific Ukrainian concessions were not detailed, Rubio suggested they would involve a demonstrated commitment to diplomacy over military solutions. He described the U.S. approach as one of listening, aiming to assess the gap between Ukrainian and Russian positions.
The meetings reflect a broader diplomatic push, with Saudi Arabia serving as a neutral venue due to its relationships with all parties. Rubio met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional stability and thanked Saudi Arabia for facilitating dialogue. Zelensky also acknowledged the Kingdom’s role, noting, "Saudi Arabia provides a crucial platform for diplomacy, and we appreciate this."
As of March 12, 2025, the Ukrainian delegation remains in Jeddah for follow-up discussions with U.S. officials. The outcome hinges on Russia’s response to the ceasefire proposal, which the U.S. will address in subsequent talks.
Both nations expressed hope for practical results, with Ukraine maintaining a constructive stance and the U.S. committed to bridging divides. The process marks a significant step toward de-escalation, though challenges remain in securing Russian cooperation and defining long-term security terms.
Rubio, Ukrainian President And Officials On Important Meeting In Jeddah, Peace Talks
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