Meeting in Jeddah: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (second from left), U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz (left), Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov (right), Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office Andriy Yermak (second from right), and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga (third from right). Photo: Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Guacamaya, March 11, 2025. After diplomatic tensions and an aid freeze, Washington DC announced this Tuesday the reactivation of its security and intelligence assistance to Kyiv, alongside a provisional one-month ceasefire, contingent on Moscow’s acceptance.
The decision was finalized in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during a meeting led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, in an attempt to restart dialogue with Russia.
In a joint statement released after the negotiations in Jeddah, mediated by Saudi Arabia, Ukraine accepted the U.S. proposal for an immediate 30-day cessation of hostilities, extendable if both parties agree. Marco Rubio assured that Kyiv “is willing to stop shooting and engage in dialogue,” shifting the responsibility to Russia: “The ball is in their court. If they reject it, we will know who is obstructing peace,” warned the head of U.S. diplomacy.
The agreement marks a shift following the tense episode between Zelensky and Trump in February, when Washington DC temporarily froze weapons shipments and information exchange. Although Rubio denied that the controversial “mineral agreement” previously mentioned as a possible counterpart was discussed, he confirmed that both governments are working under “presidential instructions” to finalize the terms.
Diplomacy Amid Russian Advances
The meeting takes place in a critical context for Ukraine. Moscow announced this Saturday the capture of 12 towns in the east, while intensifying attacks in Sudzha, a key logistical hub near the border. Additionally, Russia reported intercepting 337 Ukrainian drones, 91 near Moscow, resulting in two deaths and the suspension of operations at four capital airports.
Andriy Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, emphasized that his priority is a “just peace with security guarantees” to prevent further invasions. Despite the “constructive” atmosphere in Jeddah, pressure on Ukraine is mounting: the Trump administration insists on forcing negotiations and has already resumed direct contacts with Russia, excluding Kyiv—a move criticized by the European Union.
What About the European Union?
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) raised its voice this Tuesday at the UN Security Council, demanding international support for Ukraine, in a context marked by the abrupt shift in the U.S. stance toward Moscow. Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, stressed that Ukraine “deserves to decide its own future” and rejected any Russian interference.
“Ukraine does not want to be part of Russia. Its sovereign will must be respected,” Kallas stated during the annual EU-UN cooperation session, a meeting that this year transcended its protocol nature due to the geopolitical situation.
Brussels’ call comes after Washington DC’s recent rapprochement with Moscow, which included bilateral talks on arms control and regional security. This shift, interpreted by European allies as a possible unilateral détente, has caused concern in the EU, which insists on maintaining pressure on the Kremlin as long as the invasion continues.
Kallas’ intervention reinforced the message of European unity in the face of the conflict, although analysts note that the U.S. stance could fracture the Western front. The diplomat recalled that transatlantic cooperation “remains vital” but urged the international community not to yield to what she called “Russian narratives of force.”
The debate also addressed the need to strengthen multilateralism in crises such as migration and climate change, although the focus remained on Eastern Europe. With the shadow of a possible reconfiguration of alliances, the EU seeks to consolidate its role as a guarantor of a rules-based order, in a scenario where tensions between powers are redefining the global chessboard.
Negotiation Details:
The U.S. delegation included Steve Witkoff, the presidential envoy for the Middle East, and security advisor Mike Waltz, who participated in February talks with Moscow in Riyadh alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio. On the Ukrainian side, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov attended.
Ukraine and the United States agreed to appoint negotiating teams to maintain “permanent communication.”
Meanwhile, the Kremlin consolidates its ground offensive. The proposed truce, initially suggested by Kyiv as partial (covering only sea and air), was expanded to a full ceasefire. Rubio insisted that “this is not a reality show” but a window to “recover peace.” However, Kyiv’s margin is shrinking: its presence in Kursk is weakening, and Russia is advancing toward critical lines. While the European Union seeks a role in the negotiations, Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as the key mediator in the conflict, which could have significant implications for OPEC+ and the oil situation, with repercussions for Venezuela.
All this occurs after recent tensions in the Atlantic Front over the territorial dispute of the Esequibo between Venezuela and Guyana, as well as escalating clashes in Syria and the Gaza conflict.
Previously, the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that any solution requires “irrevocable guarantees” on Ukrainian neutrality, a longstanding Kremlin demand to reduce Western influence in the region.
“There will be no cessation of hostilities until negotiations secure Russia’s strategic interests, particularly in terms of security,” declared Lavrov in a recent press conference. The head of Russian diplomacy insisted that Ukraine’s potential NATO membership represents a “red line” for Moscow, citing risks to its territorial integrity.
On the other hand, U.S. President Donald Trump reacted by saying that “Ukraine accepted” the ceasefire and hopes that “President Putin will also accept.” He stated that he expects to speak with Vladimir Putin soon.
The Russian government has indicated that it does not rule out establishing contacts with U.S. representatives in the coming days, according to statements by Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, during her weekly press conference in response to a question from the Sputnik agency regarding Trump’s remarks.
