Ukraine is set to propose a partial ceasefire to the United States during negotiations in Saudi Arabia, in an effort to secure the resumption of military and intelligence support from Washington.
The talks, set to take place in Jeddah on 11 March, come at a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s war effort, as Kyiv aims to reaffirm its commitment to ending the war with Russia.
According to sources cited by The Financial Times, Ukraine plans to suggest a halt to long-range strikes and military operations in the Black Sea as part of the proposal. Ukrainian officials hope that progress in these discussions will prompt the US to reverse its recent decision to suspend intelligence-sharing and weapons deliveries.
A Shift in Ukraine’s Strategy
An unnamed Ukrainian official indicated that, in the short term, Kyiv is prioritising efforts to restore its relationship with the United States. Two European officials also noted that Ukraine sees progress in ceasefire negotiations as a “quid pro quo” for the resumption of military and intelligence assistance from Washington.
The meeting in Jeddah will also include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is scheduled to be in the city from Monday to Wednesday. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that the purpose of his visit is to advance President Donald Trump’s objective of ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
Broader Negotiations with the US
The proposal for a partial ceasefire is part of a wider Ukrainian effort to reach a comprehensive framework agreement with the US. Last Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed European leaders in Brussels, stating his intention to negotiate a broader deal with Washington. This agreement would serve as a foundation for further arrangements concerning Ukraine’s mineral resources and security guarantees.
A potential deal is expected to begin with a cessation of airstrikes, naval operations, and attacks on energy infrastructure. It would then extend to negotiations on the exchange of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
However, it remains uncertain whether this approach will yield the desired results. On Sunday, NBC News reported that US officials do not consider a minerals agreement alone sufficient to persuade Trump to resume military assistance and intelligence-sharing. The report further suggested that Trump is seeking major concessions from Ukraine, including territorial compromises in favour of Russia, steps towards holding elections, or even Zelensky’s resignation.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that American officials intend to use the Jeddah talks to assess whether Ukraine is willing to make significant concessions to Russia to facilitate an end to the war.
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