Ukraine Seeks to Rekindle U.S. Backing with Ceasefire Proposal
Ukraine will propose a partial ceasefire with Russia during high-level talks in Saudi Arabia. The move seeks to regain U.S. support, as Trump pressures Kyiv to make concessions.
The talks follow intensified fighting, with Russia escalating attacks and Ukraine striking back. Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow overnight, but Russian officials said dozens were intercepted.
These talks mark the highest-level U.S.-Ukraine diplomacy since last month’s tense White House meeting. Trump scolded Zelensky for lacking gratitude, leading Washington to suspend military aid and intelligence sharing.
Diplomatic Pressure Mounts as Ukraine Seeks a Path Forward
Following his challenging meeting with Trump, Zelensky penned a letter expressing his commitment to cooperation, though the damage had been done. The suspension of U.S. military aid has left Ukraine vulnerable, forcing Kyiv to explore diplomatic solutions to maintain its war effort.
For the Saudi talks, Zelensky has delegated negotiations to three of his top aides while he engages with Saudi leaders separately. The U.S. delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s national security advisor, Mike Waltz. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Rubio expressed optimism that the aid suspension issue could be resolved.
“Hopefully, we’ll have a good meeting and good news to report,” Rubio stated, clarifying that the U.S. had not entirely cut off intelligence for defensive operations.
One of the key sticking points in previous negotiations has been Trump’s demand that Ukraine grant the U.S. access to its mineral wealth as compensation for military aid. Zelensky has indicated a willingness to negotiate on this demand but has yet to reach an agreement.
Ukraine’s Ceasefire Plan and Russia’s Strategic Maneuvers
As a direct response to U.S. pressure, Ukraine is set to propose a limited ceasefire focusing on air and naval engagements. According to a senior Ukrainian official, the strategy aims to create verifiable and enforceable peace measures without ceding critical ground to Russia.
“We do have a proposal for a ceasefire in the sky and at sea,” the official said. “These are areas where ceasefires can be effectively implemented and monitored, making them a logical starting point for broader peace talks.”
The proposal is expected to be well received by the Trump administration, as Rubio acknowledged that such steps could be crucial in reaching a settlement.
“You’re not going to get a ceasefire and an end to this war unless both sides make concessions,” Rubio remarked. “Russia cannot completely conquer Ukraine, and Ukraine will find it extremely difficult to force Russia back to its 2014 borders in the near future.”
Meanwhile, Russia has seized the opportunity created by the diplomatic uncertainty. In recent weeks, Moscow has escalated its strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure while reclaiming villages in the Kursk region that Ukrainian forces had previously captured to bolster their bargaining position.
On the eve of the Saudi negotiations, Moscow experienced a large-scale drone attack. According to Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin, Russian air defenses intercepted 69 drones, though some managed to inflict damage. At least one person was killed, and three others were injured in the attack, according to Moscow regional governor Andrei Vorobyov.
International Reactions and European Concerns
Trump’s policy shift has unsettled U.S. allies. Suspending aid and pressuring Ukraine raised concerns about U.S. commitment to Europe.
In Saudi Arabia, Zelensky restated Ukraine’s peace demands, including prisoner releases and the return of abducted children. His office stressed security guarantees to prevent future conflicts.
“The leaders discussed the possible mediation of Saudi Arabia in the release of military and civilian prisoners and the return of deported children,” a statement from Zelensky’s office read. “They also exchanged views on the necessary security assurances to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Rubio downplayed hopes for a breakthrough but said the U.S. would relay Ukraine’s proposals to Moscow. The American delegation met Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, marking the highest U.S.-Russia talks since Trump took office.
The Trump administration may pressure Russia further if needed. Last week, Trump threatened more sanctions to push Moscow into talks. His sudden policy shift has confused allies, who see it as aiding the Kremlin.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called the situation “unspeakable” and urged Europe to take more responsibility. French senator Claude Malhuret accused Trump of believing Kremlin propaganda in a speech that gained U.S. attention.
“The American lifeline to Putin is the biggest strategic mistake ever made during a war,” Malhuret declared. “Russia has failed in Ukraine, only capturing small pockets of land despite three years of relentless attacks on a much smaller country.”
The Road Ahead for Ukraine
Despite international criticism, Ukraine remains in a precarious position. The loss of U.S. military aid and intelligence support has already weakened its defenses, forcing Kyiv to seek diplomatic alternatives.
While the proposed ceasefire might offer a temporary reprieve, the broader question of Ukraine’s long-term security remains unresolved. With Russia continuing its offensive and the U.S. shifting stance, the future of the conflict will largely depend on the outcome of these negotiations.
For now, Ukraine hopes that its willingness to compromise will be enough to regain Washington’s backing—without sacrificing too much in return.
