President Donald Trump’s top priority is to end the war, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire in its conflict with its northern neighbor, and awaits Russia’s response.
High-stakes diplomacy unfolded in Saudi Arabia today (March 11) as U.S. and Ukrainian officials met to discuss a potential path to ending Ukraine’s brutal war with Russia. Speaking from Jeddah, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a direct plea to Moscow, urging them to seize the opportunity for peace.
“We’re taking this offer to the Russians, and we hope they’ll say yes—yes to peace,” Rubio declared. “The ball is now in their court. But above all, the president’s top priority is ending this war. Today, Ukraine has taken a concrete step in that direction. Now, we hope Russia will do the same.”
The conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, has left nearly 20% of Ukraine under occupation. In response, the U.S. has provided a staggering $65.9 billion in military aid to Kyiv, reinforcing its commitment to Ukraine’s defense.
As the world watches, the question remains—will Russia finally agree to a ceasefire, or will the war rage on?
Following the high-stakes discussions in Jeddah, the U.S. and Ukraine released a joint statement, marking a significant step toward ending the conflict.
“Today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia—under the gracious hospitality of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—the United States and Ukraine took important steps toward restoring lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Both nations commended the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people in defending their homeland, emphasizing that now is the moment to chart a path toward a sustainable resolution.
“The Ukrainian delegation expressed deep gratitude to President Trump, the U.S. Congress, and the American people for their unwavering support in making meaningful progress toward peace possible.”
Ukraine confirmed its willingness to accept a U.S.-backed proposal for an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, with the possibility of extensions by mutual agreement. However, the plan hinges on one crucial factor—Russia’s cooperation.
“The United States will communicate to Russia that reciprocity is the key to achieving peace,” the statement concluded.
With the offer now on the table, all eyes are on Moscow. Will Russia seize this moment, or will the war continue to rage on?
The joint statement continued with a decisive commitment:
“The United States will immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine.”
Both delegations also underscored the crucial role of humanitarian efforts in the peace process—especially during the proposed ceasefire. Priorities include the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
In a significant move, both sides agreed to appoint negotiating teams immediately and begin working toward a lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s long-term security. The U.S. pledged to bring these proposals to Russian representatives, while Ukraine reaffirmed that European partners must be involved in the process.
Beyond the battlefield, economic stability was also a key topic. The two nations’ presidents agreed to finalize a comprehensive agreement as soon as possible to develop Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. This initiative aims to boost Ukraine’s economy, offset the cost of American aid, and solidify the country’s long-term prosperity and security.
With diplomatic efforts gaining momentum, the world now waits for Russia’s next move. Will Moscow engage in talks, or will the conflict continue to escalate?
