Janice R. Andrews
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has voiced optimism about Ukraine’s proposal for a partial ceasefire with Russia ahead of key negotiations in Saudi Arabia. The talks, scheduled for Tuesday, will bring together U.S. and Ukrainian officials to discuss potential diplomatic solutions to the ongoing war.
Rubio Calls Ukraine’s Proposal ‘Promising’
On Monday, Rubio acknowledged the proposal as a step toward resolving the three-year conflict. “I’m not saying this alone will be enough, but it’s the kind of concession needed to end the war,” he stated.
A Ukrainian official revealed that Kyiv plans to propose an aerial and naval ceasefire during the discussions. However, Russia has previously dismissed similar proposals, arguing they are merely delay tactics aimed at preventing Ukraine’s military collapse.
Zelensky Arrives in Saudi Arabia for Discussions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, he is not expected to take part in the official negotiations. Instead, Ukraine’s delegation will be led by Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, alongside the national security adviser and several foreign and defense ministers.
Representing the U.S. delegation, Rubio will be joined by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Establishing Ukraine’s Position on Peace Talks
Ahead of his trip to Jeddah, Rubio underscored the importance of clarifying Ukraine’s stance on a potential peace agreement. “We need to clearly define Ukraine’s intentions regarding a peace deal,” he said. “Both sides will have to make difficult compromises to achieve an end to the conflict.”
While he refrained from dictating terms to Ukraine, Rubio emphasized the necessity of evaluating Kyiv’s position against Russia’s demands to determine the feasibility of an agreement.
U.S. Military Aid and Diplomatic Pressures
The negotiations come as former U.S. President Donald Trump increases pressure on Zelensky to agree to a ceasefire with Russia. The U.S. recently halted military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, widely perceived as a move to push Kyiv toward negotiations.
Rubio acknowledged this pause, explaining, “The suspension happened because we felt Ukraine wasn’t committed to a peace process. If that changes, our position can change.” He expressed hope that Tuesday’s discussions would help resolve the aid issue.
U.S. Special Envoy Expects ‘Significant Progress’
Trump administration special envoy Steve Witkoff predicted “significant progress” in the upcoming talks. He also suggested that Zelensky might return to the U.S. later in the week to finalize a minerals trade agreement.
Zelensky has previously indicated his openness to signing a minerals deal with the U.S., which would establish a joint fund from the sale of Ukrainian minerals. Witkoff confirmed that security protocols and territorial matters would also be key discussion points in Saudi Arabia.
Trump Considers Restoring Intelligence Sharing with Ukraine
Despite the aid suspension, the U.S. has maintained intelligence-sharing support for Ukraine’s defense. On Sunday, Trump told Fox News he had “just about” lifted restrictions on intelligence sharing.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also spoke with Trump ahead of the talks, expressing optimism about a positive outcome that would lead to the resumption of U.S. aid and intelligence-sharing.
Russia’s Stance and the Current Battlefield Situation
Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, currently occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. Moscow has consistently rejected ceasefire proposals, claiming they only serve to prolong Ukraine’s resistance.
What Lies Ahead?
The results of the Saudi talks could significantly impact the future of the war and determine whether diplomatic efforts succeed where military solutions have faltered. With global attention on these negotiations, Tuesday’s discussions could be a crucial step toward a potential resolution.
