Ukraine to Propose Partial Ceasefire Plan to US Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukraine is set to present a partial ceasefire proposal to the United States during high-level talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The plan, aimed at securing renewed support from Washington, comes amid intensified Russian attacks and Ukrainian counterstrikes.
The meeting in Jeddah marks the most senior engagement between Ukrainian and US officials since a tense White House visit last month, during which President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over alleged ingratitude. Following that encounter, the US suspended military aid, intelligence sharing, and satellite access for Ukraine, pressuring Kyiv to negotiate an end to the three-year war.
Ahead of the talks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, expressed hope for a resolution regarding the aid suspension. He clarified that while intelligence sharing for offensive operations had been restricted, defensive intelligence remained available.
Zelensky, who met with Saudi leaders in Jeddah before leaving negotiations to top aides, previously refused to sign a Trump-proposed agreement granting the US access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for past military support. However, he later indicated a willingness to reconsider the deal, though Rubio stated it would not be the focus of the current discussions.
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its military actions, targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and reclaiming territory in the Kursk region. On the eve of the Saudi talks, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone assault on Russia, with 337 drones reportedly intercepted across the country, including 91 over Moscow. The attacks resulted in casualties, with at least one person killed and three injured.
Under pressure from Washington, Ukraine is expected to propose a limited ceasefire covering air and maritime operations. A Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously, described the proposal as a feasible and easily monitored step toward de-escalation.
Rubio signaled that the Trump administration would likely welcome such a concession, stating that an end to the conflict would require compromises from both sides. He acknowledged that while Russia cannot fully conquer Ukraine, it would also be difficult for Kyiv to reclaim all lost territory within a short timeframe.
During a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s conditions for a permanent peace agreement, including the release of prisoners and the return of children Kyiv accuses Russia of abducting. The leaders also discussed security guarantees to prevent future conflicts.
While the Jeddah meeting is not expected to yield a final agreement, Rubio indicated that any proposals would be relayed back to Russia. Last month, US officials held their first high-level talks with Russian counterparts since the invasion, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic engagement.
Trump, who recently threatened additional sanctions on Russia to push it toward negotiations, has also urged a change in language regarding Russia at the upcoming G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, a move that has unsettled US allies.