Following eight hours of negotiations between high-level US and Ukrainian delegations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on March 11, 2025, Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the United States' proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire12. The proposal includes:

• Stopping combat operations along the entire frontline

• A moratorium on long-range missile and drone strikes

• Cessation of operations in the Black Sea

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that while Ukraine views this as a positive step, the ceasefire's effectiveness depends on Russia's agreement and concurrent implementation of the terms34. The joint statement released after the talks highlighted Ukraine's willingness to move forward with the proposal, contingent on Moscow's acceptance5.

In a significant policy shift, the United States announced the immediate lifting of its freeze on military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. This decision came alongside the ceasefire proposal, reflecting a thaw in bilateral ties after weeks of increased tension12. The resumption of aid includes the immediate lifting of the pause on intelligence sharing, resumption of security assistance, and restoration of Ukrainian access to Maxar Technologies' satellite imagery under the Global Enhanced GEOINT Delivery (GEGD) program345. Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, confirmed the end of the intelligence sharing pause, attributing the progress to President Donald Trump's leadership6.

Russia's response to the proposed 30-day ceasefire has been cautious and noncommittal, raising questions about the potential for a breakthrough in the conflict. The Kremlin's reaction highlights the complex dynamics at play:

• The Russian government stated it was "studying" the ceasefire proposal and waiting for a briefing from U.S. officials12.

• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need for "detailed information" on the ceasefire terms before making any decisions3.

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Russia to accept the ceasefire "unconditionally," suggesting that a negative response would "make their intentions clear"2.

• Russian sources indicated that the Kremlin was unlikely to embrace the deal, despite U.S. President Donald Trump telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that "it takes two to tango"45.

• The resumption of U.S. military aid to Ukraine may complicate Russia's decision-making process, as it potentially impacts their war aims3.

Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to meet with Putin in Moscow to discuss the ceasefire proposal, which may provide more clarity on Russia's stance2.

The proposed 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia has garnered significant international attention and support. The Vatican has expressed hope for the success of the initiative, with Pope Francis calling for prayers and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict1. The United Kingdom has also been reported to be "intimately involved" in brokering the ceasefire deal, highlighting the broader international engagement in the peace process2.

Other nations and international organizations have voiced their support for the ceasefire proposal:

• The European Union welcomed the initiative, urging all parties to seize this opportunity for peace3.

• NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called the proposal a "crucial step towards ending the bloodshed"4.

• China's foreign ministry spokesperson expressed hope that the ceasefire could lead to broader peace talks5.

• The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session to discuss the proposal and its potential implementation6.

This global backing underscores the international community's desire to see an end to the three-year-long conflict and potentially paves the way for more comprehensive peace negotiations.