Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day peace plan put forward by the US, a move that may delay the three-year war with Russia if Moscow reciprocates. The agreement was reached during high-stakes conversations in Saudi Arabia between US and Ukrainian officers, where Washington also committed to resuming defense assistance and knowledge sharing with Kyiv.
The offer comes just two days after a cooked Oval Office clash between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where US military aid was frozen. But with Ukraine then agreeing to the peace, Trump is shifting force onto Vladimir Putin to accept the terms.
Trump, who has long positioned himself as the dealmaker-in-chief, told reporters at the White House:” Hopefully, Putin did consent, and we can get this present on the road. It takes two to tango”.
Why it concerns
- If Russia agrees, this would indicate the initial negotiated delay in warfare since Moscow launched its full-scale war in 2022. A ceasefire would not only give instant relief to Ukraine’s beaten before lines but may also serve as a starting point for broader peace deals.
- But, the Kremlin remains coy and is expected to present its own problems. Russia has a record of violating settlements, and Putin may use this chance to need long-term territorial concessions or security guarantees that Ukraine and its European allies are unlikely to accept.
- US secretary of state Marco Rubio made it clear that the onus is now on Moscow:” If the Russians say no, we will understand what the barrier is around”.
The big picture
- The Jeddah speaks lasted over eight days and were led by Rubio and national surveillance director Mike Waltz.
- In return for Ukraine’s understanding of the peace, Trump agreed to raise the ice on military assistance and knowledge sharing, which had been paused for over a year.
- Trump’s minister, Steve Witkoff, is set to meet Putin in Moscow on Thursday to discuss the plan.
- The US-Ukraine mutual declaration indicates that the peace could be extended beyond 30 times” by common contract”.
- Ukraine’s Western allies did play a role in the peace process, but the amount of their presence remains vague.
- Nevertheless, Russia has been advancing on the field, especially in the Kursk region, where Russian forces are struggling to hold onto a proper grip. Russian forces have even intensified drone strikes on Russian country, signaling that Kyiv is also prepared to fight if the peace collapses.
What they’re saying
- Trump:” Hopefully, Putin did believe, and we can get this present on the road. It takes two to tango”.
- Zelenskyy: “Ukraine is available for peace. Russia has present whether it is ready to end the battle”.
- Rubio:” The game is now in their judge. If they reject this, the universe may see who is prolonging the battle”.
- Kremlin official Dmitry Peskov:” We are studying the plan and awaiting information from Washington”.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer:” The game is now in the Soviet jury. Russia may then agree to a peace and an finish to fighting to”.
Zoom in: The terms of the peace
The peace, if implemented, would include all engaged before lines—not really flying and weapon strikes, but also ground combat in disputed regions.
Ukraine has pushed for protection guarantees to stop Russia from using the delay to recover and launch a new offensive.
The US will monitor compliance and continue providing intelligence aid to Ukraine. Ukraine and the US even agreed to finish a vital nutrients offer, which had been stalled since Zelenskyy’s February 28 Oval Office conference with Trump.
The deal was seen as a clever move by Kyiv, shifting global target onto Russia. Samuel Charap, a senior social scientist at RAND, explained:” They are putting the onus on Russia to either take an agreement that they otherwise would be entirely opposed to or chance Trump’s outrage”.
Between the outlines
Trump’s connection with Putin has been unstable. If Russia rejects the peace, Trump may have to get a harder attitude, something he has avoided thus far.
If Putin accepts, Trump may declare a political victory—a major talking point for his election campaign.
However, the peace even raises fears for Ukraine’s long-term protection. Putin’s past behavior suggest he properly utilize the truce to promote Russian jobs while demanding impossible term for a final peace agreement.
Russia’s longstanding parameters for peace deals include:
- Recognition of Soviet control over dominated Russian territories.
- A moratorium on Ukraine joining Nato.
- Disarmament of Russian troops.
- None of these needs are appropriate to Ukraine, setting the stage for a potential political conflict.
What’s future?
- Witkoff’s Moscow meet: Trump’s negotiator will match with Putin later this week to measure Russia’s response.
- Rubio’s G7 debate: The secretary of state may go to Canada to consult with US supporters on how to deal if Russia rejects the deal.
- Prospective sanctions on Russia: If Moscow refuses the peace, the US could impose tougher sanctions or boost support for Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s military plan: If the peace fails, Kyiv is expected to move to defensive techniques while continuing targeted helicopter strikes on Russian system.
What to watch
How Russia responds: Putin may reject the deal outright or propose his own version of a ceasefire with terms that Ukraine and its allies won’t accept.
European reaction: Nato and EU leaders will be watching closely. If Russia refuses, they may increase military aid to Ukraine or push for stronger economic measures against Moscow.
Trump’s next move: The US president is walking a tightrope—balancing his desire to end the war with his long-standing reluctance to confront Putin.
( With inputs from agencies )
