On the 11th (local time), the United States and Ukraine held high-level talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where the U.S. agreed to restore suspended military aid to Ukraine, and Ukraine agreed to accept the 30-day provisional ceasefire that the U.S. had imposed. Additionally, they agreed to conclude the mineral agreement, which was initially set to be signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the 28th of last month but was canceled due to the summit's disruption, as soon as possible.
According to the Associated Press, after a nine-hour meeting on the same day, the United States and Ukraine issued a joint statement announcing the details of their agreement. In the joint statement, the two countries noted, "We will immediately lift the information-sharing suspension and resume security assistance to Ukraine." According to Ukraine, U.S. security assistance to Ukraine resumed that day.
The joint statement also included details about the mineral agreement. The two countries agreed that "the presidents of both nations agreed to conclude a comprehensive agreement for the development of Ukraine's important mineral resources as soon as possible to ensure Ukraine's long-term prosperity and security," and emphasized that "the Ukrainian delegation repeatedly stressed that European partners must participate in the peace process." Additionally, it stated that "the Ukrainian delegation expressed deep gratitude to Trump, the U.S. Congress, and the American people for enabling significant progress toward peace," which was included as an appeasing statement toward the Trump administration that had argued, 'the U.S. should be thankful.'
Now the ball is in Russia's court. After the meeting, Zelensky accepted the U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, stating, "Ukraine accepts this proposal and views it positively, and is prepared to take such action," adding, "The U.S. must persuade Russia to do so." He further noted, "As soon as Russia agrees, the ceasefire will begin."
U.S. Minister Marco Rubio emphasized immediately after the meeting that Russia has the responsibility to take steps to end the war. Minister Rubio said, "We hope they (Russia) say 'yes.'" He added that he hopes they say 'yes' to peace, noting, "What remains now is up to Russia."
In related news, Trump promised to discuss this plan with Russian President Vladimir Putin within the week. Trump told reporters at the White House, "Ukraine has agreed, and I hope Russia will agree too," adding, "A ceasefire is very important. It would be great if we can make Russia do that; otherwise, people will continue to die." He expressed hope to talk with Putin later this week, saying, "I want to talk to Putin. It takes two to tango," while noting that he hopes the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine "takes effect in the next few days." He was also asked about inviting Zelensky back to the White House, to which he responded, "Of course, certainly."
The U.S. delegation included Minister Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Minister Rubio and Advisor Waltz also participated in the high-level talks with Russia held in Saudi Arabia on the 18th of last month.