JEDDAH — The United States has agreed to restore military support and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following high-level talks on Tuesday (March 11), where Kyiv expressed willingness to accept a US-backed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, according to a joint statement from both nations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington would now present the proposal to Moscow, emphasizing that the next move was up to Russia.

“Our hope is that Russia responds positively as soon as possible so we can move to the next stage—real negotiations,” Rubio told reporters, referencing US President Donald Trump after hours of discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has made territorial gains and currently controls around 20% of Ukrainian land, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. Rubio stressed the urgency of a resolution, stating, “Every day this war continues, more lives are lost. People are being bombed and injured on both sides. We need to move forward.”

Will Russia Agree?: It remains uncertain how Russia will respond. While President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to peace talks, he and his diplomats have repeatedly opposed a ceasefire, insisting on an agreement that ensures Russia’s long-term security. Putin has ruled out territorial concessions and demands Ukraine’s withdrawal from four partially occupied regions claimed by Moscow.

On Tuesday, Russia’s foreign ministry acknowledged the US proposal but did not confirm whether it would engage in discussions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, though present in Saudi Arabia, did not directly participate in the negotiations. However, he welcomed the ceasefire proposal, clarifying that it would apply to all frontlines, not just air and naval operations.

Zelenskiy stated that the ceasefire would take effect immediately upon Russia’s approval. “During these 30 days of ‘silence,’ we will have the opportunity to work with our partners on concrete steps towards lasting peace and security,” he added. The US has planned multiple diplomatic channels to deliver the proposal to Moscow. Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, is set to meet with his Russian counterpart soon, while Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel to Moscow this week for talks with Putin. President Trump himself expressed hope for a swift resolution, suggesting he might speak with Putin in the coming days. “I hope we can finalize this within a few days,” he told reporters at a White House event promoting Tesla, owned by his close adviser, Elon Musk.

The agreement marks a significant shift from the tense February 28 meeting at the White House, where Trump, known for his skepticism about aid to Ukraine, had clashed with Zelenskiy. Following that meeting, the US had halted intelligence sharing and military support to Ukraine, signaling Trump’s intent to recalibrate Washington’s approach toward Moscow.

However, in Tuesday’s joint statement, the US and Ukraine reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing a broader agreement on Ukraine’s critical mineral resources—a deal that had been stalled after the February talks. Trump also announced he would invite Zelenskiy back to the White House soon. By late Tuesday, Ukrainian officials confirmed that US military assistance and intelligence sharing had officially resumed.

European Involvement: Security guarantees for Ukraine were also a key discussion point, with European allies signaling their willingness to support the peace process. Some European nations have even considered deploying peacekeeping forces. In the joint statement, Ukraine reiterated that European partners should play a role in negotiations. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to visit the White House on Thursday to discuss the next steps.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk voiced support for the US-Ukraine initiative, stating on X, “It appears the US and Ukraine have taken a crucial step toward peace. Europe stands ready to help achieve a just and lasting resolution.” Meanwhile, Waltz confirmed that the initial batch of resumed US military aid would come from stockpiles previously approved by former President Joe Biden, which had been frozen under Trump’s administration.

As diplomatic efforts unfold, fighting on the ground continues to intensify. Ukraine’s military is facing heavy pressure, particularly in Russia’s Kursk region, where Moscow’s forces are attempting to push Kyiv’s troops out of a strategically held area. On the other hand, Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow and its surrounding region overnight, demonstrating its ability to retaliate despite relentless Russian missile and drone strikes. The assault, which involved 337 drones, reportedly killed three workers at a meat processing facility and temporarily disrupted operations at Moscow’s four main airports. With tensions still running high, the coming days will determine whether Russia accepts the ceasefire offer and if peace negotiations can gain real momentum.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via Reuters.