Ukrainian and US delegations held negotiations in Saudi Arabia

Yesterday, March 11, 2025, high-level delegations from Ukraine and the United States convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for critical talks aimed at addressing the ongoing war with Russia. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, alongside Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, met with U.S. officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Hosted under the auspices of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the discussions resulted in Ukraine agreeing to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, contingent on Moscow’s acceptance. This marked a significant step toward de-escalation, with both sides issuing a joint statement emphasizing a commitment to restoring lasting peace and praising the Ukrainian people’s resilience. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, though present in Saudi Arabia, did not directly participate but endorsed the ceasefire as a “positive proposal” covering the conflict’s frontline.

The talks also yielded immediate strategic outcomes for Ukraine, as the U.S. pledged to lift its prior suspension of intelligence sharing and resume security assistance, including military aid, following a period of strained relations after a public dispute between Zelensky and President Donald Trump in February. The delegations addressed humanitarian priorities, such as prisoner-of-war exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children forcibly taken by Russia, alongside economic initiatives like a deal to develop Ukraine’s critical mineral resources to bolster its long-term prosperity. While the ball is now in Russia’s court to reciprocate, as noted by Rubio, the Kremlin has yet to respond officially, though top Russian officials have reportedly rejected the ceasefire terms. The marathon negotiations, lasting over eight hours, underscored a shift in U.S. policy under Trump’s administration, aiming to broker peace while navigating complex geopolitical tensions.

Russians hit the port in Odesa with ballistic missiles, four foreigners killed, civilian vessel damaged

Four Syrian citizens were killed and two others injured in a Russian missile strike on the port of Odesa on the evening of March 11, according to Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration. The attack hit the Barbados-flagged vessel MJ Pinar, which was loading wheat for export to Algeria. The youngest victim was 18 years old, and the oldest was 24.

Kiper reported that along with the fatalities, a Ukrainian and another Syrian citizen sustained injuries. The strike also damaged another ship, port berths, and grain storage warehouses. Kiper emphasized that MJ Pinar was an entirely civilian vessel, highlighting Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine's vital grain export infrastructure.

Russia hit Kryvyi Rih with ballistic missiles; a woman was killed, nine people were injured, and infrastructure damaged 

Several explosions rocked the city of Kryvyi Rih on the morning of 12 March, with a strike on an infrastructure facility resulting in one person killed and nine others injured, according to Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration.

Lysak also reported that the Kryvyi Rih district was attacked during the night, causing further damage to infrastructure. Among the injured, a 41-year-old woman was hospitalized in moderate condition, while a 78-year-old woman received medical assistance at the scene. A 50-year-old man is in serious condition, and a 42-year-old woman is in moderate condition, both hospitalized. Another woman, aged 47, will receive outpatient treatment.

Later Russians launched a repeated strike on the city when rescue workers arrived to deal with the aftermath of the the first strike.  No emergency workers had been injured.

The air defence had been responding from evening until morning, destroying 19 Russian UAVs over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

US resumes weapons supply to Ukraine

Poland's Ministry of National Defence has confirmed that US arms supplies to Ukraine have resumed through the logistics hub in Rzeszów, Poland. Deputy Minister of National Defence Paweł Zalewski announced that the transfer of American weapons from the hub in Jasionka to Ukraine is active again. Pavlo Palisa, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, also confirmed on Facebook that US security assistance to Ukraine has been reinstated.

Additionally, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed that the freeze on intelligence sharing with Ukraine has been lifted. These developments follow high-level talks between Ukrainian and American delegations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 11 March. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed the outcome of the negotiations, signaling renewed support from the US amid Ukraine’s ongoing defense efforts.

Will Russia Agree to a Western Contingent in Ukraine? Lavrov's Statement

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s firm opposition to the deployment of Western peacekeeping forces in Ukraine as part of any potential resolution to the ongoing conflict. Speaking in an interview, Lavrov argued that such a contingent would not serve as a neutral stabilizing force but would instead escalate tensions and "fuel the conflict further." He emphasized Russia’s long-standing position that Ukraine’s borders should revert to their 1991 state, a condition he tied to any ceasefire or peace agreement. Lavrov’s comments came amid speculation about international efforts to broker a deal, including the recent talks in Saudi Arabia involving Ukrainian and U.S. delegations, though he dismissed Western involvement in Ukraine’s post-war security framework as unacceptable to the Kremlin.

This statement aligns with Russia’s consistent rejection of Western military presence in Ukraine, a stance Lavrov has maintained since at least late 2024. The remarks cast doubt on Russia’s willingness to accept the ceasefire proposal floated during the Jeddah meeting on March 11, 2025, where Ukraine agreed to a 30-day pause contingent on Moscow’s approval—a condition that appears unlikely given Lavrov’s rhetoric. He also hinted at broader geopolitical concerns, suggesting that Western peacekeepers would undermine Russia’s influence in the region and serve as a foothold for NATO expansion. While the Kremlin has not yet formally responded to the Jeddah proposal, Lavrov’s comments signal a continuation of Russia’s hardline approach, complicating the path to de-escalation despite diplomatic efforts facilitated by Saudi Arabia.

Trump invites Zelensky back to the White House after talks in Saudi Arabia

U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 11 that President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcome to return to the White House following talks in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire. Trump expressed hope that Russia would also accept the deal, with talks scheduled soon.

The agreement follows weeks of tension between Kyiv and Washington after a heated Oval Office exchange on February 28, which led to a freeze in U.S. aid. Following the Jeddah talks, the U.S. resumed military and intelligence support to Ukraine.

Russians attacked Donetsk Oblast, killing four and injuring five

On March 11, Russian forces launched multiple attacks on Donetsk Oblast, killing at least four civilians and injuring five others, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. Among the dead were two brothers, aged 11 and 13, and two women, aged 51 and 57.

The attacks, carried out with FPV drones, artillery, and bombs, hit several locations, including Rivne, Molocharska, Pokrovsk, and Rodynske. Some of the wounded, including a 14-year-old child, are in serious condition. Filashkin urged residents to evacuate, warning that civilians, especially children, remain at grave risk.

Putin unlikely to accept 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine - Reuters

Russia is unlikely to accept the U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, viewing it as a trap and believing it holds the advantage on the battlefield, Reuters reported on March 12, citing Russian sources. They say any agreement would need to reflect Russia's territorial gains and include guarantees for Moscow.

While Ukraine agreed to the truce during talks in Jeddah on March 11, and the U.S. resumed military and intelligence aid to Kyiv, Russian officials remain skeptical. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov avoided a direct response, saying discussions with the U.S. are needed first. Pro-war Russian figures have already criticized the idea, insisting any deal must be on Moscow's terms.

Ukrainian forces left Sudzha in Kursk oblast of Russia

According to the DeepState monitoring group, on March 12, 2025, the Ukrainian Armed Forces withdrew from Sudzha in Russia’s Kursk Oblast as Russian forces intensified their offensive in the region. DeepState reported that Russian troops entered the eastern part of Sudzha, consolidating their positions after a rapid advance that began earlier in March, effectively collapsing the Ukrainian salient established during Kyiv’s cross-border incursion in August 2024. The withdrawal follows heavy pressure from Russian assaults, including a notable operation where special forces infiltrated via a gas pipeline, and comes amid claims of significant territorial losses for Ukraine in Kursk Oblast. While Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has denied immediate threats of encirclement, the retreat from Sudzha marks a critical setback for Kyiv, diminishing its foothold in Russian territory originally intended as leverage in peace negotiations.

At the same time, according to Roman Kostenko, secretary of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence there was no complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Suzha, Kursk region.

President Zelensky stated that Ukrainian troops remain their presence in the Kursk region and will continue to carry out their tasks, Russia is pressing. The Ukrainian command is doing everything it needs to do - preserving the lives of soldiers as much as possible.

Ukraine-US talks in Saudi Arabia concerned potential territorial concessions - Rubio

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on March 12 that Ukraine-U.S. talks in Saudi Arabia included discussions about possible "territorial concessions" as part of a negotiated settlement with Russia. Rubio acknowledged that compromises would be necessary, calling Ukraine’s goal of reclaiming all its territory "unrealistic." He also said the talks covered how negotiations with Russia might proceed and stressed the need for security guarantees to protect Ukraine from future attacks. However, Trump has refused to offer such assurances.

During the Jeddah talks on March 11, Ukraine agreed to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Russian compliance. Trump later said the U.S. would engage Putin to discuss the proposal. The ceasefire deal led to the U.S. resuming military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, which had been frozen after a tense meeting between Trump and Zelensky. However, Ukrainian officials had previously warned that any pause in fighting could allow Russia to regroup.

Up to 500,000 men could leave Ukraine after the war ends and borders are open - minister

Between 200,000 and 500,000 men could leave Ukraine once the war with Russia ends and travel restrictions are lifted, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov said on March 12. Speaking about Ukraine's demographic crisis, Chernyshov noted that draft-age men, currently barred from leaving under martial law, may choose to emigrate after the conflict. He added that only about 30% of Ukrainians abroad are likely to return within a year of the war's end, while another 30% may never come back.

Chernyshov highlighted severe demographic challenges, including a declining birth rate and an aging population. He said that for every 150,000 births annually, 450,000 Ukrainians die — excluding war casualties. Ukraine, with about 32 million people in government-controlled areas and 5 million refugees abroad, is facing a labor shortage of over 4.5 million workers. These issues come as Kyiv and Washington recently agreed on a temporary ceasefire, seen as a possible step toward broader peace talks.