Quote from Alex bobby on March 11, 2025, 5:16 AM

Ukraine Presents Ceasefire Proposal in Jeddah Talks with U.S. Officials

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA — Ukrainian officials are set to present a partial ceasefire plan to U.S. officials during high-stakes negotiations in Saudi Arabia. The proposed agreement, which includes halting long-range missile strikes and implementing a truce in the Black Sea, marks a pivotal moment in efforts to end the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in early 2022.

Ukraine’s Ceasefire Proposal and Key Delegation Members

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not attending Tuesday’s meeting, his government is represented by key officials, including Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and military commander Pavlo Palisa.

Ahead of the talks, Zelenskyy expressed optimism on social media platform X, stating that Ukraine hopes for “practical outcomes” that could lead to a de-escalation of hostilities.

U.S. Delegation and Strategic Interests

The U.S. delegation is led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Their participation underscores the Biden administration’s interest in resolving the pause in military aid to Ukraine. President Donald Trump, who has been vocal about his desire to broker a swift resolution to the war, has reportedly instructed his team to explore potential concessions from Ukraine that could facilitate negotiations with Russia.

Rubio, speaking to reporters aboard a military aircraft before landing in Jeddah, emphasised that the United States is in a “listening mode.” He noted that while the U.S. is not prepared to “draw lines on a map,” the goal is to understand what concessions Ukraine might consider in pursuit of peace.

“We're not going to be sitting in a room drawing lines on a map, but just get a general sense of what concessions are in the realm of the possible for them [Ukrainians],” Rubio said. He also underscored that there is no military solution to the war, urging both Ukraine and Russia to make “difficult decisions” in pursuit of peace.

Saudi Arabia’s Role and High-Level Meetings

The talks in Jeddah highlight Saudi Arabia’s evolving role as a diplomatic mediator in international conflicts. On Monday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Rubio in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, following a separate meeting with Zelenskyy in Riyadh earlier in the day.

Saudi Arabia has sought to position itself as a neutral player capable of facilitating dialogue between warring factions. The kingdom’s involvement comes amid broader geopolitical shifts, with Saudi Arabia expanding its diplomatic outreach beyond the Middle East and deepening ties with global powers.

The Role of Ukraine’s Mineral Resources in Talks

One of the contentious points surrounding U.S. aid to Ukraine has been the country’s vast mineral wealth. Trump has previously suggested that continued military assistance could be contingent on securing access to Ukraine’s critical raw materials, including rare earth elements, nickel, lithium, and uranium. These minerals are vital to the U.S. economy and national security, particularly in the defence and technology sectors.

However, Rubio clarified that while resource negotiations are important, they are not the primary focus of Tuesday’s discussions. “There's still more details to work out, and at this point, we're probably—rather than a memorandum of understanding—just wanting to sign a specific agreement. And that would take a little bit more time,” he told reporters.

“I wouldn't prejudge tomorrow by whether or not we have a minerals deal. ... It's an important topic, but it's not the main topic on the agenda,” he added.

International Reactions and Geopolitical Implications

As the U.S. and Ukraine discuss potential peace terms, European allies have continued to play a critical role in the broader diplomatic efforts. Rubio praised Britain and France for their constructive engagement with Ukraine and reiterated that discussions regarding China’s role in postwar reconstruction have not been part of the negotiations.

This marks Rubio’s second visit to Saudi Arabia since taking office. His previous diplomatic engagements included talks with Russian officials in Riyadh on February 18. Following the Jeddah meetings, Rubio is scheduled to travel to Canada for discussions with G7 foreign ministers.

What’s Next for Ukraine and the Ceasefire Plan?

The outcome of the Jeddah talks could shape the next phase of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. If Ukraine’s proposed partial ceasefire gains traction, it may serve as a foundation for broader peace negotiations. However, the success of any agreement will depend on Russia’s willingness to engage in good faith and whether the U.S. Congress resumes its military aid to Ukraine.

Additionally, domestic politics in the U.S. could influence the direction of the negotiations. With Trump aiming to secure a diplomatic victory ahead of upcoming elections, his administration may push for rapid progress toward a ceasefire, even if it means pressuring Ukraine to make difficult concessions.

Conclusion

The Jeddah talks represent a crucial moment in the Ukraine war, with both diplomatic and strategic implications. While Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal offers a path toward de-escalation, challenges remain in securing a sustainable and mutually acceptable agreement. The coming days will reveal whether these negotiations mark the beginning of a meaningful diplomatic breakthrough or merely another chapter in the protracted conflict.

For now, all eyes remain on Saudi Arabia as world leaders seek a way to bring an end to one of the most devastating wars of the 21st century.