Media: US, Ukraine seek peace in Jeddah, but Russia’s demands cast doubts

American and Ukrainian representatives are meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for crucial talks aimed at halting the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, significant differences remain in how the US, Ukraine, and Russia envision a cease-fire.

Ukraine has proposed an immediate cessation of air and sea strikes, seeking security guarantees before its ground forces lay down arms. The US is pressing for a more comprehensive, immediate cease-fire, while Russia, which is not attending the talks, has indicated it wants territorial concessions before halting its invasion, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, en route to the meeting, emphasized that Ukraine must make territorial concessions as part of any peace agreement. "The most important thing that we have to leave here with is a strong sense that Ukraine is prepared to do difficult things, like the Russians are going to have to do difficult things, to end this conflict or at least pause it in some way shape or form," Rubio said.

This meeting follows a strained exchange between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February, which led to the suspension of US military aid and intelligence sharing. Ukraine is seeking to restore this support, which has already affected its military efforts, particularly in the Kursk region, where Russian forces have gained ground.

In contrast, Russia continues to demand concessions, including Ukraine's non-membership in NATO and limitations on its military forces. "We must choose for ourselves a version of peace that would suit us and that would ensure calm for our country in the long-term historical perspective," said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As the talks begin, it remains unclear whether Ukraine's proposals, including a partial cease-fire and a potential mineral deal with the US, will be sufficient to resume intelligence sharing and military aid. Ukraine's broader goal is to slow the geopolitical shift in US policy under Trump while buying time for European support to bolster its war efforts.

The meeting in Jeddah marks a critical moment in the search for peace, though the path forward remains uncertain.

By Vafa Guliyeva