US Sees ‘Promise’ In Ukraine’s Ceasefire Proposal Ahead Of Talks In Saudi Arabia.
The United States has expressed optimism over Ukraine’s proposal for a partial ceasefire with Russia, ahead of crucial diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Kyiv’s plan as a promising step towards ending the war, though he noted that further concessions would be required to reach a final resolution. “I’m not saying that alone is enough, but it’s the kind of concession you would need to see in order to end the conflict,” Rubio stated on Monday.
Ukraine’s Proposal and Russia’s Response
According to a Ukrainian official, Kyiv is expected to propose an aerial and naval truce with Russia during the discussions in Jeddah. However, Moscow has previously dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire, arguing that it would only serve to delay Ukraine’s military defeat.
The Ukrainian delegation at the talks will be led by President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, alongside national security officials and defence ministers. Representing the US will be Secretary Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Speaking before his arrival in Jeddah, Rubio emphasised the need for both Ukraine and Russia to make difficult compromises. “There’s no military solution to this conflict—it can only be resolved through diplomatic means,” he stated.
Developments in Moscow and Ukraine’s Diplomatic Efforts
Meanwhile, Moscow was hit by a large-scale drone attack overnight, with at least one person killed and three injured, according to local authorities. Governor Andrei Vorobyev reported that seven apartments were damaged, while Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that 69 drones had been shot down. The attack led to temporary disruptions to train services and flight restrictions at the city’s airports.
President Zelensky, who arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has expressed hope for a “practical result” from the discussions. In his late-night address, he assured that Ukraine’s position in the negotiations would be “absolutely constructive.”
US Military Aid and Future Talks
The talks come amid tensions between Ukraine and the US, following the recent pause in American military aid and intelligence sharing. The suspension was seen as a strategic move to push Kyiv towards negotiations with Russia.
Rubio acknowledged that resolving the aid issue would depend on the outcome of Tuesday’s talks. *“The suspension came about because we felt that they [Ukraine] were not committed to any sort of peace process,”* he explained. *“If that changes, obviously our posture can change.”*
Additionally, US envoy Steve Witkoff is reportedly set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow later this week. While the Kremlin has not publicly commented on the potential visit, it signals a possible shift in diplomatic engagement between Russia and the West.
These discussions mark the first high-level meeting between Ukraine and the US since Zelensky’s visit to Washington, which ended in disagreement. The outcome of the Jeddah talks could prove critical in shaping the next phase of the war and determining the level of future US support for Ukraine.
