Ukraine has agreed to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, brokered through intense talks in Saudi Arabia on March 11, 2025.
President Donald Trump is now poised to engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin to secure Moscow’s approval, raising hopes of halting a conflict that has raged for over three years. Here’s what we know so far about this potential breakthrough and whether it could finally bring peace to Eastern Europe.
The war between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Moscow’s invasion in February 2022, has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced millions, and destabilized global security. As of today, March 11, 2025, the conflict shows no signs of slowing militarily, with Russian forces pressing their offensive in Ukraine’s Kursk region and Ukraine launching daring counterattacks, including a massive drone strike on Moscow just days ago. Against this backdrop of unrelenting violence, the United States, under Trump’s leadership, has stepped in with a bold diplomatic initiative that could change the course of the war—or falter under the weight of Kremlin resistance.
The ceasefire proposal, hashed out during eight hours of negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, calls for an immediate 30-day halt to all hostilities along the entire front line, including missile strikes, drone attacks, and naval operations in the Black Sea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who traveled to Saudi Arabia but did not directly participate in the talks, hailed the plan as a “positive step” and confirmed Kyiv’s readiness to implement it. “We are ready to take this step, and the United States must now convince Russia to do the same,” Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post. If Putin agrees, the ceasefire would take effect immediately, offering a rare pause in a war that has defied resolution for years.
Trump, who has made ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict a cornerstone of his foreign policy agenda since taking office in January 2025, expressed optimism about the proposal’s prospects. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, he said, “Ukraine has agreed to it, and hopefully Russia will agree to it too. If we can get this ceasefire, that’ll be great. I’ll talk to Vladimir Putin this week—hopefully, he’ll say yes, and we’ll be 75 percent of the way to ending this horrible war.” Trump’s personal involvement underscores his hands-on approach to diplomacy, a style that has both energized his supporters and unnerved critics who question his coziness with Putin.
Will Putin Accept Trump’s Proposal?
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will entertain Trump’s ceasefire proposal. Analysts suggest that Putin’s willingness to negotiate depends on several factors, including the current battlefield dynamics, international pressure, and Russia’s long-term strategic goals.
Putin has previously expressed openness to negotiations but has insisted on conditions that Ukraine and its Western allies find unacceptable, such as recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the Donbas region. Trump’s proposal, if it aligns with these demands, could appeal to Putin. However, Ukraine has repeatedly stated that it will not cede territory, making any agreement challenging.
Additionally, Putin’s trust in Trump plays a role. During Trump’s presidency, the two leaders shared a contentious yet cordial relationship, with Trump often praising Putin. This history could influence Putin’s receptiveness to Trump’s proposal.
But will Putin accept? That’s the million-dollar question hanging over this fragile moment of hope. The Russian leader has long maintained a hardline stance, rejecting temporary ceasefires in the past on the grounds that they allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm. Kremlin sources have indicated that Putin might be open to a peace deal brokered by Trump, but only if it aligns with Russia’s “long-term security” interests—code for retaining control over occupied territories and blocking Ukraine’s path to NATO membership. A Russian lawmaker, speaking to state media on Tuesday, insisted that any deal must be on “Moscow’s terms,” not Washington’s, signaling potential resistance to the U.S. plan as it stands.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for all parties involved. For Ukraine, the ceasefire offers a desperately needed respite. Experts warn that without sustained U.S. military aid—which Trump briefly paused earlier this month before reversing course on Tuesday—Kyiv may only hold out for a few more months. The resumption of American intelligence sharing and security assistance, announced alongside Ukraine’s ceasefire acceptance, provides a lifeline, but it’s contingent on progress toward peace. Zelenskyy, who clashed publicly with Trump during a tense White House meeting two weeks ago, has now embraced the proposal, perhaps sensing that U.S. support hinges on his willingness to negotiate.
For Trump, securing Putin’s agreement would be a major diplomatic coup, bolstering his image as a global peacemaker. His administration has moved swiftly to advance the plan, dispatching special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow later this week and scheduling talks between National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and his Russian counterpart. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the U.S. delegation in Jeddah, emphasized that “the ball is now in Russia’s court.” Trump’s personal outreach to Putin, expected as early as Wednesday or Thursday, could prove decisive—though some analysts warn that his admiration for the Russian leader might lead him to concede too much.
Putin, however, faces a dilemma. Accepting the ceasefire could strengthen his relationship with Trump and ease international pressure, but it risks alienating hardline supporters at home who view any pause as a betrayal of Russia’s war aims. Moscow’s military position, while strained by economic decline and battlefield losses, remains formidable, particularly in Kursk, where Ukraine’s foothold is crumbling. Putin may calculate that delaying or rejecting the ceasefire allows him to press his advantage, especially if he doubts Trump’s willingness to escalate U.S. involvement should talks collapse. “Putin excels at grabbing the ball and pocketing it,” a CNN analysis noted, suggesting he might exploit the proposal to buy time or impose his own conditions, such as Ukraine’s withdrawal from Kursk.
The ceasefire’s terms, while broad, leave room for interpretation—and potential friction. Ukraine initially floated a more limited truce focused on halting air and sea attacks, but the U.S. pushed for a comprehensive pause across all fronts. Kyiv has also outlined three key demands: an end to missile and drone strikes, the release of prisoners of war and detainees, and the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia. Whether Russia would agree to these conditions—or counter with demands like Ukraine’s demilitarization—remains unclear. Past Russian tactics, including misinformation and false flag operations, raise doubts about Moscow’s good faith, even if it signs on.
International Reactions to Trump’s Plan
The international community has responded cautiously to Trump’s ceasefire proposal. European leaders, particularly those in NATO, have expressed skepticism, emphasizing the need for any resolution to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also reiterated his commitment to reclaiming all occupied territories, signaling that any proposal involving concessions would face strong opposition.
In contrast, some countries, including China and India, have called for a diplomatic solution and may view Trump’s proposal as a step toward ending the war. However, without broad international support, the plan is unlikely to gain traction.
Can the War End Soon?
The possibility of the war ending soon remains uncertain. While Trump’s proposal has reignited discussions about a ceasefire, significant obstacles stand in the way of a lasting peace. Both Russia and Ukraine remain deeply entrenched in their positions, with neither side willing to compromise on core issues.
Military analysts predict that the conflict could drag on for months or even years, with neither side achieving a decisive victory. The ongoing supply of Western weapons to Ukraine and Russia’s mobilization of additional troops suggest that both sides are preparing for a prolonged struggle.
However, the human and economic toll of the war has created pressure for a resolution. The global community continues to push for diplomatic solutions, but achieving a ceasefire will require unprecedented compromises from both Russia and Ukraine.
The Role of the United States and NATO
The United States and NATO have played a central role in supporting Ukraine, providing military aid, intelligence, and humanitarian assistance. The Biden administration has consistently emphasized its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and has ruled out any negotiations that would reward Russian aggression.
Trump’s proposal, if taken seriously, could shift U.S. policy and create tensions within NATO. Some allies may view it as a betrayal of Ukraine, while others might see it as a pragmatic approach to ending the war. The Biden administration has yet to respond formally to Trump’s plan, but it is unlikely to endorse any proposal that undermines Ukraine’s position.
The Russia-Ukraine war has created one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, and thousands have lost their lives. The war has also disrupted global food and energy supplies, contributing to inflation and economic instability worldwide.
A ceasefire would provide much-needed relief to the people of Ukraine and allow for the rebuilding of infrastructure. However, without addressing the root causes of the conflict, any ceasefire may only be a temporary solution.
So, will this war end soon? The answer hinges on Putin’s next move. If he accepts Trump’s proposal, the 30-day ceasefire could pave the way for broader negotiations, potentially freezing the conflict along current lines—a bitter pill for Ukraine, which would lose a fifth of its territory, but a possible stepping stone to peace. If he rejects it, Trump may face pressure to adopt a tougher stance, risking a rift with Moscow and prolonging the bloodshed. For now, the world watches as Trump dials Putin’s number, hoping against hope that this call might finally silence the guns. As Zelenskyy put it, “We want peace so that war does not return.” Whether that vision becomes reality depends on a handshake that’s still far from certain.
In the coming days, Witkoff’s trip to Moscow and Trump’s conversation with Putin will offer the first real clues. Until then, the Russia-Ukraine war remains at a crossroads—teetering between a historic truce and yet another chapter of unrelenting conflict. Stay tuned; the next 48 hours could change everything.
While Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal has sparked debate, it remains unclear whether it will lead to a resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war. Putin’s willingness to negotiate, Ukraine’s stance on territorial integrity, and international support will all play critical roles in determining the outcome.
As the war continues, the global community must balance the urgent need for peace with the principles of justice and sovereignty. Whether Trump’s proposal gains traction or not, the path to ending this devastating conflict will require unprecedented diplomacy, compromise, and a commitment to lasting peace.
For now, the world watches and waits, hoping for an end to the bloodshed and a brighter future for Ukraine and its people.
