WORLD NEWS

Zelensky, Rubio Arrive in Saudi Arabia for Ceasefire Talks

Ukrainian President Zelensky & US diplomat Marco Rubio arrive in Saudi Arabia as Ukraine proposes a partial aerial & naval ceasefire. Will this unlock stalled US military aid?
2025-03-11
Zelensky, Rubio Arrive in Saudi Arabia for Ceasefire Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US diplomat Marco Rubio have arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of high-stakes ceasefire talks on Tuesday.

Zelensky’s proposal for a partial truce — focusing on aerial and naval ceasefires — has raised hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough, even as US military aid to Ukraine remains suspended.

📌 Key Takeaways:
Who’s Attending? Ukrainian President Zelensky, US diplomat Marco Rubio, and Trump’s National Security Advisor Mike Waltz
What’s on the Table? Ukraine’s proposed aerial and naval ceasefire
What’s at Stake? Potential resumption of US military aid and intelligence-sharing
Why Jeddah? Saudi Arabia hosts the talks, aiming to mediate a framework for peace

Ukraine Seeks Ceasefire, US Remains Cautious

Zelensky, locked in a diplomatic row with US President Donald Trump, arrived in Jeddah as Rubio signaled openness to Kyiv’s ceasefire proposal.

🗣Marco Rubio:
"I’m not saying that alone is enough, but it’s the kind of concession you would need to see in order to end the conflict."

However, Washington remains cautious about fully endorsing Kyiv’s plan, with Trump making military aid contingent on Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate peace.

Suspended US Aid & Intelligence Sharing

🚨 The US has halted:
🔹 Military aid to Ukraine
🔹 Intelligence-sharing & satellite imagery access

Trump suggested on Sunday that the US had “just about” lifted the intelligence-sharing suspension but offered no clear commitment on resuming military assistance.

🗣Donald Trump:
"They will sign the minerals deal, but I want them to want peace… They haven’t shown it to the extent they should."

Zelensky’s Response: "Ukraine Wants Peace"

Before departing for Jeddah, Zelensky reaffirmed his commitment to ending the war, blaming Russia for prolonging the conflict.

🗣Zelensky:
"Ukraine has been seeking peace since the very first second of the war. The only reason this war continues is because of Russia."

His delegation in Jeddah includes:
Foreign Minister: Andriy Sybiga
Defense Minister: Rustem Umerov
Chief of Staff: Andriy Yermak
Military Commander: Pavlo Palisa

Saudi Arabia’s Role & International Reactions

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to meet Zelensky ahead of the official talks on Tuesday.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Trump to resume US military aid to Ukraine, calling the Jeddah talks a potential turning point.

Meanwhile, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff emphasized the importance of using these negotiations to lay the foundation for a broader peace deal.

What’s Next?

🔹 Will the US agree to Ukraine’s proposed ceasefire?
🔹 Will military aid & intelligence sharing resume?
🔹 Could this be the first step toward ending the war?

As global attention turns to Jeddah, the outcome of Tuesday’s talks could reshape US-Ukraine relations and the trajectory of the war itself.