‘The whole world will see who truly wants peace’ How Ukrainian and Russian officials (and pro-war pundits) are reacting to the U.S.-Ukraine talks

On Tuesday, U.S. and Ukrainian delegations met in Saudi Arabia, where Washington proposed a 30-day ceasefire — an offer Ukraine said it was ready to agree to, provided Moscow does as well. Following the talks, the U.S. announced it would resume arms deliveries and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, which had been suspended earlier this month. Here’s how Ukrainian and Russian officials, along with pro-war Russian bloggers, are reacting to the results of the negotiations.

Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky

President of Ukraine

The American side understands our arguments and takes our proposals seriously. I want to thank President Trump for the constructive discussions between our teams. During today’s conversation, the U.S. proposed taking an immediate step further — attempting to establish a complete ceasefire for 30 days. This would not only cover missiles, drones, and bombs, not just the Black Sea, but the entire front line. Ukraine accepts this proposal; we see it as a positive step and are ready to move forward. The United States must convince Russia to do the same. In other words, we agree, and if the “Russians” agree as well, at that moment, the guns will fall silent.

Andriy Yermak

Head of the Ukrainian president’s office, led the Ukrainian delegation in negotiations with the U.S.

We highly value President Trump’s leadership. We believe the United States is the one country that can do everything necessary to bring about a just peace. They have the leverage. Today, we heard from our partners that they are ready to continue working [toward this goal]. It is not an easy task. I don’t know who else could handle it. But what matters is that they are willing to stand with us, to put in the work — this is important to them.

The outcome of our joint statement reflects a shared understanding that we are united, moving together toward the just peace that all Ukrainians have been waiting for, with the support of our key strategic partner, the United States. As you saw in the statement, our European partners will definitely be involved in this process. After this meeting, the key is now in Russia’s hands. And the whole world will see who truly wants peace and who only talks about it.

Rustem Umerov

Ukrainian Defense Minister, participated in negotiations with the U.S.

An important meeting today in Jeddah with our partners from the United States. Key outcomes:

1. Resumption of security assistance, including intelligence sharing — a critically important step for Ukraine’s defense capability.
2. A 30-day temporary ceasefire. Important: only with mutual agreement from Russia. This is not about freezing the conflict but about starting the path toward a just peace.
3. Release of prisoners, civilians, and the return of Ukrainian children — a crucial position of the Ukrainian side.
4. Europe’s role in negotiations — our partners must be part of the process.
5. Agreement on mineral resources — a positive signal for the long-term partnership between Ukraine and the U.S., ensuring security and economic development.

Pavlo Palisa

Deputy head of the Ukrainian president’s office, participated in negotiations with the U.S.

I can confirm that U.S. security assistance has been restored. Agreements are now being implemented. The fight continues!

the joint statement

Ukraine pledges immediate ceasefire — if Russia follows suit Meduza summarizes key takeaways from latest Saudi Arabia talks, including U.S. resumption of military aid to Kyiv

15 days ago

the joint statement

Ukraine pledges immediate ceasefire — if Russia follows suit Meduza summarizes key takeaways from latest Saudi Arabia talks, including U.S. resumption of military aid to Kyiv

15 days ago

Russia

Maria Zakharova

Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman

The most important news for us will come from [Russia]. The Russian Federation’s position is not formed abroad through agreements or the efforts of external parties. The Russian Federation’s position is shaped within the Russian Federation itself.

Konstantin Kosachev

Deputy speaker of Russia’s Federation Council

The terms are American, not Ukrainian. The Ukrainians simply go along with whatever they are told — all while bowing and fawning. Just look at the phrase: “We’ll sign a resources agreement whenever it’s convenient for Washington.” Russia is advancing, and that means things will be different with Russia. Any agreements — while we recognize the need for compromise — will be on our terms, not America’s. This isn’t bravado; it’s the reality that real agreements are still being written on the battlefield. Washington needs to understand that.

Mikhail Sheremet

Russian State Duma deputy from annexed Crimea

Russia has no interest in prolonging the bloody conflict instigated by the West, but we won’t allow ourselves to be manipulated. We are fully aware that just hours before discussing peace initiatives, the Ukrainian side launched its largest drone attack yet on Russian civilian cities, endangering and killing our people. From the outside, this massive terrorist airstrike and the negotiations look like two parts of the same strategy — a coordinated attempt to blackmail and intimidate our country.

Vladimir Konstantinov

Head of parliament in annexed Crimea

Peace will come only when Russia receives reliable security guarantees. The sooner U.S. President Trump understands this, the closer he’ll be to fulfilling his promise of bringing a swift end to the war.

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Pro-war Russian bloggers

Military Informant

Russian pro-war Telegram channel

It should be understood that a 30-day truce — and any potential extension — would give Ukraine a long-awaited respite, allowing it to replenish its army with personnel, equipment, and weaponry.

With the U.S. having agreed to resume military aid to Ukraine following today’s negotiations, [Kyiv] won’t have any trouble with this.

The situation is such that military supplies to Ukraine are no longer even tied to a ceasefire agreement — they have resumed regardless. This means that whether Russia agrees or not, U.S. arms deliveries to the Ukrainian Armed Forces will continue. […]

Agreeing to such an uncertain ceasefire — where the enemy keeps receiving weapons while facing no pressure on the ground or in the air — would be the height of stupidity for Russia’s military and political leadership.

Oleg Tsaryov

Former Ukrainian lawmaker and Russian proxy official in Donetsk

Yesterday, many were quick to speak out about a possible ceasefire — some in rather categorical terms. It will be amusing to watch them later if their stance doesn’t align with the final decision. And that is entirely possible.

Since negotiations with Russia took place before those with Ukraine, there’s a strong chance that the ultimatum presented to Ukraine yesterday had already been coordinated with Russia in advance. Russia and the U.S. have approved a roadmap to end the war — ceasefire, elections, and a peace treaty between Russia and the new Ukrainian government.