Ukraine has agreed to a US-brokered proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire with Russia following intensive bilateral negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

The agreement, mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, aims to pause hostilities while broader discussions on a long-term peace settlement take place. According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, Kyiv confirmed its willingness to suspend military operations, provided Moscow adheres to the terms. 

"Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation," the statement read. The US has assumed responsibility for conveying the agreement to Moscow, with the joint declaration stressing that Russian compliance is essential for further peace efforts. 

As part of the deal, the US has committed to lifting its suspension of military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, a move regarded as crucial for Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. 

Ukraine’s decision to agree to a ceasefire follows increased tensions between Washington and Kyiv, particularly after a meeting on February 28 between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The talks ended in a diplomatic impasse, with Trump publicly criticising Zelenskiy, leading to the temporary suspension of US military support. The halt in assistance left Ukraine vulnerable on the battlefield, particularly amid mounting Russian offensives in multiple regions. 

Kyiv’s acceptance of the ceasefire proposal appears to be a strategic effort to restore US support. The expected resumption of intelligence-sharing and military aid is anticipated to strengthen Ukraine’s position, even as doubts remain over Russia’s willingness to reciprocate. 

The Jeddah negotiations also underscored humanitarian concerns, with US and Ukrainian officials highlighting the need for prisoner exchanges and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. The ceasefire period is expected to facilitate these efforts, though the extent of Russian cooperation remains uncertain. 

Beyond the ceasefire, discussions also covered economic cooperation. The US and Ukraine agreed to fast-track negotiations on developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, a move aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s economy while offsetting the costs of American assistance. The mineral deal has been a key interest for the Trump administration, which has previously linked economic collaboration with continued military support. 

Kyiv’s support for a ceasefire comes as Ukraine’s military position continues to deteriorate, particularly following setbacks in the Kursk region. After initial successes in seizing territory, Ukrainian forces have struggled to maintain control, with Russian troops gradually reclaiming ground. By March 2025, Ukraine had lost nearly all territory gained in the region, weakening its bargaining power in negotiations. 

In Moscow, the Kremlin has signalled openness to talks but has shown no indication of making concessions. Earlier on March 11, before the Jeddah meeting, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the diplomatic engagement as a "positive signal" but warned against premature optimism, stating that Moscow would assess Washington’s commitment before making any decisions.