President Zelenskyy to Present Plan During Talks in Saudi Arabia Amid Tensions with Trump
By Katerina Alexandridi – March 10, 2025
In an effort to reset strained relations with the US, Ukraine is preparing to propose a partial ceasefire with Russia during upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia. The proposal aims to halt drone and long-range missile attacks, as well as hostilities in the Black Sea, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes the plan will convince former President Donald Trump to resume military aid and intelligence sharing, the Financial Times reported.
US to Explore Peace Prospects in Saudi Arabia
The talks, set to take place in Jeddah, will see US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engage with Ukraine on ways to further the President’s goal of ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskyy, who is also in Saudi Arabia, plans to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday. Afterward, his delegation is expected to continue discussions with the US representatives, although it remains unclear whether Zelenskyy will participate directly in the talks with Rubio.
Tensions with Trump Lead to Suspension of Aid
The proposed ceasefire comes after a public rift between Trump and Zelenskyy during a White House encounter. Following a heated exchange, Trump temporarily halted US military assistance to Ukraine and the transfer of intelligence data, according to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The US also suspended Ukraine’s access to satellite imagery purchased by the US government.
An anonymous Ukrainian official stated that Kyiv is keen to rebuild its relationship with the US, particularly to resume critical military support. Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko emphasized the urgency of restoring ties. “Initially, Ukraine planned to secure security guarantees first, then push for a ceasefire,” he noted. “However, it’s clear now that this sequence is no longer possible.”
Shift in Strategy: Ukraine Eyes New Diplomatic Approach
In response to the diplomatic fallout, Ukraine had been preparing to sign a resource agreement with the US, which was supposed to take place on the day of the White House confrontation. However, the deal was abruptly canceled. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that while Trump is open to signing the agreement, he demands a shift in Zelenskyy’s stance on peace talks with Russia, including a willingness to make territorial concessions.
Trump has also indicated that he expects Zelenskyy to pivot toward political reforms in Ukraine, including a potential shift in leadership. “Trump wants to see moves in the direction of Ukrainian elections, and possibly, a change in leadership,” an official stated.
Moving Forward: Will the Ceasefire Proposal Be Enough?
Ukraine’s strategic shift signals a recognition that it must adapt to the changing dynamics of international diplomacy. The country hopes that a partial ceasefire proposal, if accepted, could pave the way for further negotiations and a return to vital military support from the United States.
As talks continue in Saudi Arabia, the situation remains fluid, with both sides seeking a path forward amidst the ongoing conflict. Whether Trump’s demands for territorial concessions and political change are met will likely determine the future of US-Ukrainian relations.
For updates on this developing story, visit Neue Berliner Zeitung.
Bildquelle: wsj.net
