Ukraine is ready for 30-day truce, while US resumes intelligence sharing, security assistance: results of negotiations

Ukraine's Presidential Office reports.

Following the talks in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and the United States issued a joint statement.

“Ukraine has expressed its readiness to accept the US proposal to immediately introduce a temporary, 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, subject to acceptance and simultaneous implementation by the Russian Federation. The United States will make clear to Russia that reciprocity on the part of Russia is key to achieving peace,” the statement said.

At the same time, the United States is immediately canceling the pause in intelligence sharing and resuming security assistance to Ukraine.

“The delegations also discussed the importance of humanitarian efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the aforementioned ceasefire, including the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of detained civilians, and the return of forcibly displaced Ukrainian children,” the statement said.

In addition, Ukraine and the United States agreed to determine the composition of the negotiating teams and immediately begin negotiations to achieve a sustainable peace that will ensure the long-term security of Ukraine.

“The United States has committed to discussing these specific proposals with Russian representatives. The Ukrainian delegation once again emphasized that European partners should be involved in the peace process,” the document emphasizes.

The two presidents also agreed to conclude a comprehensive agreement on the development of Ukraine's critical mineral resources as soon as possible to strengthen Ukraine's economy and guarantee Ukraine's long-term prosperity and security.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy's reaction 

In a video message, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he had been briefed on the meeting with the American team in Saudi Arabia.

“Our Ukrainian proposal for this meeting with the Americans was three things: silence in the sky - missiles, bombs, long-range drones, and silence at sea, and real measures to establish trust in this whole situation, in which diplomacy is ongoing, first of all, the release of prisoners,” Zelensky said.

He expressed confidence that the American side understands our arguments and accepts our proposals

“I want to thank President Trump for the constructive conversation between our teams. And today in the conversation, there was a proposal from the American side to take the first step immediately and try to establish a complete ceasefire for 30 days, not only with regard to missiles, drones and bombs, not only in the Black Sea, but also along the entire front line,” Zelensky said.

He emphasized that Ukraine accepts this proposal, considers it positive and is ready to take such a step.

“The United States must convince Russia to do this. That is, we agree, and if the Russians agree, then the silence will work,” Zelensky stated.

He also added that an important element of the conversation today is the US readiness to resume defense assistance to Ukraine and intelligence assistance.

“Ukraine is ready for peace. Russia must show its readiness to end the war or continue the war. It's time for the whole truth,” Zelenskyy summarized.  

The first round of talks

As of 2:55 p.m., CNN wrote that Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz had just walked past the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, where negotiations between the Ukrainian and U.S. delegations are taking place. In response to a question about how the meeting went, Waltz replied, 'We're making progress.'

Journalists added that the talks have been ongoing for the fourth hour.

At 3:25 p.m., the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Andriy Yermak, wrote that 'the work continues.'

The start of the negotiations was reported by the Ukrainian Foreifn Affairs Ministry.

The ministry added that the key topics of the meeting would be the path to peace and bilateral relations between Ukraine and the United States.

On the Ukrainian side, the meeting is attended by Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Head of the President’s Office Pavlo Palisa.

On the American side, participants include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and U.S. Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs Steven Witkoff.

As Andriy Yermak wrote, the meeting with the U.S. team "began very constructively, and we are working towards bringing closer a just and lasting peace."

At the start of the negotiations, he also stated that Ukraine is ready to pursue peace and expects security guarantees to ensure Russian aggression does not recur in the future, according to Suspilne.

"Right now, we believe it is essential to discuss the most important issue—how to initiate this process. We are very open and want to have a constructive, thorough, friendly, and partnership-oriented conversation with our American partners," said Yermak.

Negotiations in Saudi Arabia

The Ukrainian and American delegations arrived in Saudi Arabia for negotiations on Tuesday, March 11.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi announced that in Saudi Arabia, the Ukrainian, and American delegations will discuss bilateral relations, strategic partnership, and the path to peace.

Meanwhile, the U.S. plans to use the meeting with the Ukrainian delegation to assess whether Ukraine is willing to make material concessions to Russia in exchange for ending the war.

The U.S. Secretary of State expressed hope that Washington’s suspension of military aid could be “resolved” during crucial discussions in Saudi Arabia.