Ukraine will present a plan for a partial ceasefire with Russia to the United States on Tuesday. The decision comes as Ukraine struggles to maintain US support under President Donald Trump, who has pushed for concessions to end the three-year war.
The high-stakes discussions will take place in Saudi Arabia, where US and Ukrainian officials will meet to explore possible resolutions. Russian attacks on Ukraine have intensified, while Ukraine has responded with counterattacks, including a major drone assault on Moscow overnight.
Meeting in Saudi Arabia
The US delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, will hold talks with three top Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelensky will not attend but has already met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss Ukraine’s conditions for lasting peace.
Rubio expressed optimism, saying, “Hopefully, we’ll have a good meeting and good news to report.”
Despite recent tension, Washington has not completely cut off Ukraine from intelligence-sharing. However, the US has paused military aid, satellite imagery, and other key resources, pressuring Ukraine to engage in talks with Russia.
Ceasefire Proposal
An anonymous Ukrainian official confirmed that Kyiv would propose limited ceasefire zones. “We do have a proposal for a ceasefire in the sky and ceasefire at sea,” the official said. “These are options that are easy to install and monitor.”
Rubio suggested that this kind of concession could be key to ending the war. “I’m not saying this alone is enough, but it’s the kind of step needed,” he told reporters.
At the center of the negotiations is an economic agreement that Trump has demanded from Ukraine. Zelensky previously refused to sign a deal giving the US access to Ukrainian mineral wealth as compensation for military support. However, he has since signaled willingness to reconsider.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its military campaign, recapturing villages and striking Ukrainian infrastructure. In response, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Moscow, reportedly killing one person and injuring three others.
Mixed Reactions from Global Leaders
Trump’s abrupt policy shift has stunned many allies. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the situation as “unspeakable,” urging Europe to take greater responsibility. French Senator Claude Malhuret criticized Trump’s strategy, calling it “the biggest strategic mistake ever made during a war.“
Despite the pressure, Ukraine remains firm on its key demands. During discussions with Saudi officials, Zelensky emphasized the need for the return of Ukrainian prisoners and children allegedly taken by Russia.
As US-Ukraine negotiations unfold, Rubio and Waltz will report back to Russia, continuing diplomatic efforts. Trump has also threatened further sanctions to push Moscow toward a peace deal, but global uncertainty over US foreign policy remains high.
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