Focus on the BIG picture.
Sunday, Feb 22, 2026
Outside the box.
Ukraine and U.S. Agree on Truce Proposal as Global Attention Turns to Russia
Negotiations in Jeddah yield a 30-day ceasefire agreement; uncertainty remains as responses from Moscow are awaited.
Brussels – Following recent talks in Saudi Arabia, the United States and Ukraine have agreed on a proposal for a 30-day truce designed to end more than three years of ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The discussions, which took place in Jeddah, saw a U.S. delegation outline this truce to their Ukrainian counterparts amidst heightened tensions.
The Kremlin's reaction, however, remains uncertain, as President Vladimir Putin has yet to publicly comment on the proposed ceasefire.
Former President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding the truce, stating he has received 'positive signals' from Russia, although Kremlin sources suggest that Putin is finding the current ceasefire proposal challenging to accept.
A U.S. delegation is expected to arrive in Moscow to further negotiate the details of the agreement.
Trump indicated that U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who played a key role in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, may also be involved in these discussions.
According to Marco Rubio, a senior U.S. official involved in diplomacy, the onus is now on Russia to respond to the proposal.
Rubio emphasized that declining the truce would reveal Russia's intentions and mindset regarding the conflict.
He also noted the necessity for discussions about ensuring Ukraine's security against future aggression, which may involve European nations as well.
Despite the optimism from the U.S., the Russian government is reportedly 'carefully studying' the proposal but has made clear its opposition to NATO troop presence in Ukraine.
This stance was reiterated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, indicating that discussions will proceed only after the U.S. formally briefs their Russian counterparts.
On the ground, Russia continues to make territorial gains in the Kursk region while Ukrainian forces have faced challenges in regaining the initiative.
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hopes that strong action from Western allies would follow if Russia rejects the ceasefire.
He lauded the discussions with the U.S. as yielding 'very positive results' and reiterated Ukraine's commitment to peace, while firmly stating that no recognition of Russian-occupied territories would occur.
During the proposed truce, Zelensky emphasized the importance of establishing security guarantees for Ukraine, as the potential for negotiations on territorial sovereignty remains a critical issue.
He described the non-recognition of occupied territories as a 'red line' for Ukraine, suggesting that diplomacy is still a viable path to reclaiming occupied lands without conceding to Russian claims.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely for Russia's response, which will further shape the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
The discussions, which took place in Jeddah, saw a U.S. delegation outline this truce to their Ukrainian counterparts amidst heightened tensions.
The Kremlin's reaction, however, remains uncertain, as President Vladimir Putin has yet to publicly comment on the proposed ceasefire.
Former President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding the truce, stating he has received 'positive signals' from Russia, although Kremlin sources suggest that Putin is finding the current ceasefire proposal challenging to accept.
A U.S. delegation is expected to arrive in Moscow to further negotiate the details of the agreement.
Trump indicated that U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who played a key role in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, may also be involved in these discussions.
According to Marco Rubio, a senior U.S. official involved in diplomacy, the onus is now on Russia to respond to the proposal.
Rubio emphasized that declining the truce would reveal Russia's intentions and mindset regarding the conflict.
He also noted the necessity for discussions about ensuring Ukraine's security against future aggression, which may involve European nations as well.
Despite the optimism from the U.S., the Russian government is reportedly 'carefully studying' the proposal but has made clear its opposition to NATO troop presence in Ukraine.
This stance was reiterated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, indicating that discussions will proceed only after the U.S. formally briefs their Russian counterparts.
On the ground, Russia continues to make territorial gains in the Kursk region while Ukrainian forces have faced challenges in regaining the initiative.
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hopes that strong action from Western allies would follow if Russia rejects the ceasefire.
He lauded the discussions with the U.S. as yielding 'very positive results' and reiterated Ukraine's commitment to peace, while firmly stating that no recognition of Russian-occupied territories would occur.
During the proposed truce, Zelensky emphasized the importance of establishing security guarantees for Ukraine, as the potential for negotiations on territorial sovereignty remains a critical issue.
He described the non-recognition of occupied territories as a 'red line' for Ukraine, suggesting that diplomacy is still a viable path to reclaiming occupied lands without conceding to Russian claims.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely for Russia's response, which will further shape the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
