Ukraine-Russia War Update: Trump to Discuss Ceasefire with Putin as Zelensky Invited Back to the White House

A Russian legislator has stated that any proposed ceasefire or agreement will be on Moscow’s terms, not those of Washington, following the US claim that the ball is in Russia’s court.

“Russia is making advances (in Ukraine), so the situation will differ for Russia,” remarked Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the international affairs committee of the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia’s parliament, in a Telegram post.

“Any agreements—though we understand the need for compromise—must be on our terms, not those of the Americans. This is not bragging but acknowledging that real agreements are being shaped on the front lines, something they should also grasp in Washington.”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated he has briefed several European counterparts on the “milestone” talks with the US in which Kyiv expressed readiness to support Washington’s ceasefire proposal for 30 days.

Mr. Sybiha, who participated in the discussions in Jeddah, mentioned that he subsequently spoke with a number of European foreign ministers, including British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, “about the outcomes of the milestone meeting.”

He emphasized that the Ukrainian delegation informed US officials that European partners must be included in any peace negotiations.

“We uphold the position: no decisions concerning the long-term security of Europe without Europe,” he stated in a social media post.

After over eight hours of discussions between Ukrainian and US officials in Saudi Arabia yesterday, the US agreed to restart military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Emmanuel Macron posted on X: “I welcome the advancements made during the discussions between the United States and Ukraine held today in Jeddah, particularly regarding the potential for a 30-day ceasefire.

“The ball is now unmistakably in Russia’s court. France and its allies remain invested in a robust and enduring peace, supported by solid security guarantees for Ukraine.”

US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stated: “The Ukrainian delegation today made it abundantly clear that they align with President Trump’s vision for peace.”

Mr. Waltz noted that negotiators “delved into significant details about how this conflict will be permanently resolved,” including long-term security assurances.

Additionally, he mentioned that Mr. Trump agreed to promptly lift the suspension on the provision of billions of dollars in military aid and intelligence sharing.

Simultaneously, following the conclusion of Tuesday’s eight hours of negotiations, Mr. Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to achieving lasting peace, highlighting that the nation has been advocating for an end to the conflict since its inception.

“Our stance is unequivocal: Ukraine has pursued peace from the very first instance of this war, and we aim to do everything feasible to reach it as expediently as possible—secured and in a manner that guarantees the war does not return,” said Mr. Zelensky.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US-Ukraine minerals agreement was not part of the discussions in Jeddah on Tuesday, but he expected it to be finalized soon.

Rubio explained that the deal was brokered between the US Treasury Secretary and his Ukrainian counterpart.

He added that both presidents would “direct appropriate government members to finalize the signing of the agreement.”

“This was conveyed today, and it will transpire,” said Rubio.

The Ukrainian and US delegations addressed all matters related to concluding the war, as stated by the head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office Andriy Yermak.

“The conversation was productive, substantive, and meaningful. We communicated as partners who have been aligned since the onset of Russia’s full-scale aggression. The primary achievements from today’s meeting include the immediate resumption of US assistance and intelligence sharing.

“We also discussed all topics related to the process of securing a just peace,” Yermak remarked.

He noted that there was an open exchange of perspectives and key positions.

“What is reflected in the joint statement authentically represents our mutual understanding: we are united in our vision for advancing towards the longed-for just peace for Ukraine. This is happening with the backing of our foremost strategic partner—the United States.”

Russia has launched an overnight aerial assault on Kyiv, with air defense forces actively engaging to thwart the attacks, as stated by Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of the Ukrainian capital, on Wednesday.

Ursula Von der Leyen joined global leaders in asserting that the ball is now in Russia’s court following the agreement.

The President of the EU Commission posted on X: “We appreciate the developments from Jeddah concerning the US-Ukraine discussions, which include the ceasefire proposal and the recommencement of US intelligence sharing and security assistance.

“This is a constructive advancement that could serve as a step towards a comprehensive, fair, and enduring peace for Ukraine. The ball is now firmly in Russia’s court. The EU stands ready to fully engage, alongside its partners, in the upcoming peace discussions.”