Jeddah: The United States has announced the immediate resumption of intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine, marking a significant shift in Washington’s approach to the ongoing war.
The move follows high-level discussions in Saudi Arabia between US and Ukrainian officials, where Kyiv also signaled its willingness to accept a temporary ceasefire proposal.
In a joint statement, both sides confirmed Ukraine’s openness to a 30-day ceasefire that could be extended by mutual agreement—provided Russia also agrees to and implements the truce. The US pledged to relay this condition to Moscow, emphasizing that Russian cooperation is essential for any progress toward peace.
The negotiations, which lasted over eight hours in the Saudi port city, also included discussions on a rare minerals agreement aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s economy and long-term security. The meeting comes at a critical time for Kyiv, following a recent diplomatic rift between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump.
Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff and head of the Ukrainian delegation, described the meeting as constructive. "We are working toward a just and lasting peace," he said. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, both of whom participated in recent talks with Russian officials, represented Washington.
Rubio stated that the US was primarily in "listening mode" to better understand Ukraine’s position and potential areas of compromise. While Yermak did not disclose specific concessions Ukraine might consider, he emphasized the importance of security guarantees from Western allies to prevent future Russian aggression.
The issue of security guarantees remains contentious. Kyiv insists that any ceasefire must be backed by binding commitments from its allies, given Russian President Vladimir Putin’s history of disregarding agreements. While many European leaders have echoed this stance, the Trump administration has so far refrained from making any firm promises.
Speaking at the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the urgency of reinforcing Ukraine’s military supplies and security. “Putin has repeatedly proven himself a hostile neighbor. He cannot be trusted—only deterred,” she stated.
The talks in Jeddah took place just hours after Russia reported one of the largest drone attacks on its territory since the war began. Moscow claimed to have intercepted 337 Ukrainian drones, including 91 targeting the capital region, with local officials confirming casualties.
This meeting marks the first direct engagement between US and Ukrainian officials since Washington temporarily halted military aid following Trump and Zelensky’s contentious exchange. While Trump has suggested that Ukraine may need to cede territory for peace, Kyiv has not indicated any willingness to do so.
Currently, Russian forces control nearly 20% of Ukraine, including large portions of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions—territories Putin has repeatedly claimed as integral to Moscow’s objectives.
