What is known about the first results of negotiations between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia

In a world tired of the war in Ukraine, every meeting of the country’s leaders is a hope for peace. On March 11, a conversation took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which may determine the future of the war in Ukraine. The US and Ukrainian delegations discussed “the framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire.” Washington voices cautious optimism, but Ukrainians have disturbing premonitions. Because every word behind closed doors can mean either a continuation of the war or a concession that will cost dearly tomorrow. And the question is not only the cessation of hostilities, but whether the peace agreement will not become the beginning of a new conflict. Ukraine is carefully listening and watching, because the price of peace is not always about justice.

What is known about the negotiations in Saudi Arabia

One of the most important meetings in the context of the war in Ukraine began on March 11 in Saudi Arabia, where the gold of the desert mixes with political intrigue. The delegations of the United States and Ukraine gathered in Jeddah to determine whether a real breakthrough on the path to peace is possible, or whether it is another diplomatic ritual without concrete results.

The negotiations started late – the American delegation arrived later than planned. At their table are US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. The Ukrainian side was represented by the head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak, the Minister of Defense Rustem Umyerov and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiga. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, did not take part in the negotiations.

The key topic of the meeting is the war in Ukraine. Kyiv seeks to convince the US to restore military and intelligence support, as well as to present a plan for a partial ceasefire. In turn, Washington plans to check Ukraine’s readiness to make “material concessions” for the sake of ending hostilities. As Donald Trump said, he hopes for positive results of the negotiations.

It should be noted that on the eve of the talks, Marco Rubio said that the partial ceasefire plan, in particular the cessation of attacks on energy facilities, is a “necessary concession” to end the conflict. The comment of Rubio, who positively assessed part of the Ukrainian ceasefire plan, but immediately declared: “this may not be enough” is also indicative. That is, the USA expects positive news regarding the restoration of defense aid to Ukraine. At the same time, to CNN’s questions about the course of the meeting, Waltz answered briefly: “We are going to the goal.”

According to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, the meeting started constructively.

“The meeting with the US team began very constructively, we are working to bring a fair and lasting peace closer together,” – he wrote in Telegram.

In addition, Yermak said that Ukraine is ready to go to peace and counts on security guarantees so that “Russian aggression does not repeat itself in the future.”

“Now we believe that it is necessary to discuss the most important thing – how to start this process. We are very open and want to have a constructive, deep, friendly, partnership conversation with our American partners,” — emphasized Yermak.

Asked by journalists what concessions Ukraine is ready to make and what will be unacceptable at these negotiations, Yermak replied that he could not talk about the details now.

At the same time, Putin’s spokesman Peskov noted that Russia expects information from the United States about the results of the negotiations. The Kremlin seeks to understand whether it is worth preparing for a new stage of the diplomatic game, or whether the war will continue with renewed vigor.

“Today there will be American-Ukrainian contacts in Jeddah. Somehow, the American side, which is engaged in finding ways to reach a peaceful settlement, will inform us.” – Peskov told journalists, commenting on reports about the possibility of a meeting between the President of the Russian Federation and the special representative of the head of the White House for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.

In addition, Peskov added that the night attack of Ukrainian drones on the eve of the talks could spoil the “trend in the dialogue regarding Ukraine” that had emerged.

As evidenced by the first results of the negotiations

The talks in Jeddah became one of the key political events that attracted the attention of the world community. It is symbolic that they began against the background of a large-scale night attack by Ukrainian drones on Russia and shelling of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, which does not stop. This only underscores how high the stakes are today on the diplomatic front. This meeting also takes place against the background of the suspension of US military aid to Ukraine. The American side made it clear: the content of the negotiations depends on whether Kyiv’s defense support will be restored.

The first round of negotiations began with a discussion of Ukraine’s proposals to establish a regime of silence at sea and in the sky. This initiative aims to reduce the level of escalation and minimize the risks of new attacks, especially with the use of long-range weapons. In addition, guarantees of a ban on strikes on civilian objects were discussed. Kyiv insists that only clear restrictions can stabilize the situation and give space for broader peace initiatives.

The exchange of captives became a separate topic. The Ukrainian delegation strongly insists on including this issue on the agenda. In the context of the humanitarian catastrophe that continues due to the war, the return of its citizens home remains a fundamental moment for Kyiv. This very issue can become a test of the readiness of the parties to make real concessions.

The topic of the agreement on rare earth metals was not left out. Although official comments on this matter are limited, it is clear that it is a strategic interest of both states. Ukraine seeks to strengthen its role in the supply of critical materials for the West, which will become an important element in the development of economic relations and increase its weight in negotiations.

In addition, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism about the prospect of resuming military aid.

“I think it will be looked at and hopefully we will have a good meeting and announce some good news on that front. I can assure you that we will not provide military aid to the Russians.” – he emphasized.

At the same time, he emphasized that the US decision will depend on Ukraine’s level of readiness for “material concessions”, although what exactly is meant remains unknown. It is important to note that the question remains open — whether the United States is ready to return the supply of weapons that will significantly affect the course of the war.

So far, the talks have left more questions than answers. The four-hour dialogue at the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah demonstrated the complexity of the parties’ positions. Mike Waltz briefly commented on the negotiations: “Going to the goal.” But what exactly is this “goal”? Is it about achieving long-term peace, or about a temporary truce that will make it possible to freeze the conflict?

The world is closely following the events in Jeddah. The decisions that will be made there will determine not only the future fate of Ukraine, but will also become a marker for global security. Will Kyiv be able to maintain its own positions and avoid compromises that undermine national interests? Is the US ready to support our country until the end, or will it seek an exit that looks like peace, but is actually just a pause before a new escalation? The answers to these questions will be decisive not only for Ukraine, but also for the security architecture in Europe.