Understanding the Ukraine ceasefire: What we've learned and what could come next

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The United States has agreed to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after talks where Kyiv said it would accept a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in its war with Russia, the countries said in a joint statement.

The US-Ukraine agreement was a sharp turnaround from an late last month.

Here’s what we know so far.

What was agreed by the US and Ukraine?

The two countries issued a joint statement after the crucial meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, overnight, stating that Ukraine was ready to accept the US proposal “to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties”.

The US agreed to immediately lift a pause on intelligence sharing and resume providing security assistance to Ukraine.

In the statement, the two countries said they would conclude “as soon as possible” , which Trump demanded as compensation for billions of dollars in US weapons under his predecessor Joe Biden.

The deal had been in the works and was thrown into limbo after Trump and Zelenskyy’s fiery White House meeting.

What has Ukraine said?

Zelenskyy, who was in Saudi Arabia but did not participate in the talks, said the ceasefire was a “positive proposal,” that covers the frontline in the conflict, not just fighting by air and sea.

The Ukrainian leader said the ceasefire would take effect as soon as Russia agreed.

“When the agreements come into force, during these 30 days of ‘silence,’ we will have time to prepare with our partners at the level of working documents all the aspects for reliable peace and long-term security,” Zelenskyy said.

A top aide to Zelenskyy said options for security guarantees to Ukraine were discussed with US officials. The aide did not detail the options. Security guarantees have been one of Ukraine’s key aims, and some European countries have expressed willingness to explore sending peacekeepers.

What has the US said?

US secretary of state Marco Rubio said the US would now take the offer to Russia.

“The president wanted this war to end yesterday … So our hope is that the Russians will answer ‘yes’ as quickly as possible, so we can get to the second phase of this, which is real negotiations,” Rubio told reporters after more than eight hours of talks.

“We hope they’ll say yes to peace.

“The ball is now in their court.”

Rubio said Washington wanted a full agreement with both Russia and Ukraine “as soon as possible.”

Rubio said the plan would be delivered to the Russians through multiple channels. Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz was due to meet his Russian counterpart in the coming days and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff plans to visit Moscow this week to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In Washington, Trump said he was ready to welcome Zelenskyy back to the White House and may speak to Putin this week.

Asked by a reporter about the prospects of a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine, Trump answered: “Well, I hope it will be over the next few days, I’d like to see.

“I know we have a big meeting with Russia tomorrow and some great conversations hopefully will ensue.”

How did world leaders react?

French President Emmanuel Macron, who has talked about sending French peacekeeping troops to Ukraine as part of any deal, hailed the “progress” made in the Jeddah talks but insisted Kyiv needs “robust” security guarantees in any ceasefire.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the deal a “remarkable breakthrough” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the ceasefire “decision is up to Russia”.

In Poland, a top supporter of Ukraine and where historical memories of Russia run deep, Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised the “important step towards peace” by the United States and Ukraine.

With additional reporting by the Reuters news agency and Agence France-Presse.