Ukraine is set to present a proposal for a partial ceasefire with Russia to the United States, in a bid to revive support from its key ally. The move comes as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine, and Kyiv retaliates with a daring drone strike on Moscow.
The proposal, to be discussed in Saudi Arabia, marks a significant shift in Ukraine’s stance. After a disastrous White House meeting last month, where President Donald Trump berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Washington suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Despite the tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the upcoming talks. “Hopefully, we’ll have a good meeting and good news to report,” he said. Rubio also clarified that the US had not cut off intelligence for defensive operations.
The proposed ceasefire would focus on the skies and seas, according to a Ukrainian official. “These are the ceasefire options that are easy to install and to monitor, and it’s possible to start with them,” the official said.
Rubio signaled that the Trump administration would likely welcome such a proposal. “It’s the kind of concession you would need to see in order to end the conflict,” he noted.
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However, the path to peace remains fraught. Russia has escalated its strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, and Ukraine has responded with bold attacks, including the recent drone strike on Moscow.
In a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Zelensky discussed Ukraine’s conditions for a permanent peace deal. These include the release of prisoners and the return of children Kyiv accuses Moscow of abducting.
The US-Ukraine talks come as the international community grows increasingly concerned about the war’s escalation. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the situation as a “new age of infamy” that requires Europeans to take more responsibility.
