Photo: OP
On 11 March, an important eight-hour meeting between the delegations of Ukraine and the United States, which consisted of two rounds of talks, took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was held against the backdrop of a large-scale attack by Ukrainian drones on Moscow and other regions of the Russian Federation, which was the largest since the beginning of the full-scale war – more than 300 drones attacked enemy infrastructure. This was a signal to the international community: Ukraine has its own trump cards and is able to respond to Russian attacks asymmetrically.
Key agreements between Kyiv and Washington
Following the meeting, the two sides adopted a joint statement containing several important points:
- Temporary ceasefire. Ukraine is ready to accept the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, provided that Russia also adheres to this agreement. Further prolongation of the ceasefire will depend on the mutual actions of the parties.
- Resumption of US assistance. Washington immediately cancels the pause in intelligence sharing and resumes security assistance to Kyiv, which will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s position on the battlefield.
- Humanitarian initiatives. The exchange of prisoners of war, the release of detained civilians, and the return of forcibly deported Ukrainian children are discussed.
- Further negotiations. Ukraine and the United States agreed to determine the composition of the negotiating teams and to start consultations as soon as possible to achieve a sustainable peace, involving European partners in the process.
- Economic cooperation. The two presidents agreed to conclude a comprehensive agreement on the development of Ukraine’s critical mineral resources as soon as possible.
Zelensky supports the US decision
In his address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Kyiv welcomed the proposal for a temporary truce:
“Today, in the conversation, there was a proposal by the American side to take the first step immediately and try to establish a complete ceasefire for 30 days, not only with regard to missiles, drones and bombs, not only in the Black Sea, but also along the entire front line. Ukraine accepts this proposal, we consider it positive, we are ready to take such a step,” Zelenskyy said.
Expert reaction: breakthrough or diplomatic manoeuvre?
According to diplomats, one of the main achievements of the talks was the resumption of intelligence and security assistance from the United States. This decision came as a surprise to many analysts.
“It’s good that the Americans are lifting the moratorium on intelligence and security assistance. This is of paramount importance. Frankly speaking, there were few expectations for something like this during the negotiations. So this can be called a breakthrough,” said diplomat Vadym Tryukhan.
Political analyst Serhiy Taran believes that the main thing now is the Kremlin’s reaction.
“Well, now Trump can personally test how much Putin wants peace. Ukraine has accepted the US proposal to introduce a ceasefire for 30 days. Accordingly, US military support has resumed. The most important thing now is Russia’s reaction,” the expert stressed.
According to Taran, Putin may be offered a gradual lifting of sanctions and certain economic projects if he agrees to the peace process. However, he is sceptical about the Kremlin’s willingness to compromise.
Military and political observer Oleksandr Kovalenko stressed that Ukraine has demonstrated the ability to dictate its terms on the battlefield.
“This attack once again demonstrates that Russia cannot dictate terms to Ukraine. Any statements about ‘no cards in the game’ are unfounded. Ukraine has its own trump cards, and in some aspects they are even greater than those of the Russian Federation,” he said.
Kremlin’s reaction: what to expect?
Russia has not yet officially reacted to the joint statement by the US and Ukraine. However, experts predict that the Kremlin may refuse to abandon the ceasefire, as it will stop its military operations at the front, and thus strengthen Ukraine’s position in future negotiations.
It is expected that Russia will give a final answer after US Special Representative Witkoff meets with Putin.
“Only during this meeting, as Trump would say, will all the cards be revealed,” concluded political analyst Serhiy Taran.
Text for Telegram:
⚡ Ukraine and the US agree on a 30-day ceasefire: now it’s up to the Kremlin!
Kyiv is ready for a ceasefire if Russia fulfils the conditions.
🔹 The US resumes intelligence sharing and military assistance.
🔹 Washington will pass the proposals on to the Kremlin, and Putin’s response is expected.
Moscow’s reaction will be decisive. What’s next?
