Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced plans to visit Turkey on Wednesday to discuss regional stability and the latest developments concerning Ukraine. The discussions will focus on Poland and Turkey’s potential roles in ensuring lasting peace, particularly in the context of recent ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and the United States.
Tusk’s visit follows a significant development in U.S.-Ukraine relations, as Washington agreed on Tuesday to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. This decision came after Ukraine expressed support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal with Russia, which the U.S. is now preparing to present to Moscow.
Following more than eight hours of talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the proposal would now be offered to Russia, emphasizing that the next move was up to Moscow. "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 said, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker peace.
The ongoing war, now in its third year since Russia’s full-scale invasion, has seen Moscow gain control over approximately a fifth of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to negotiations, he has repeatedly dismissed the idea of a ceasefire, insisting on a long-term settlement that ensures Russia’s security. He has also rejected territorial concessions and demanded Ukraine’s withdrawal from four regions partially controlled by Russia.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was in Saudi Arabia but did not participate in the Jeddah talks, welcomed the ceasefire proposal, stating that it applies to the entire frontline, not just air and naval engagements. He affirmed that once Russia agrees, Ukraine and its partners will have 30 days to establish the framework for lasting peace and security.
The U.S. is set to deliver the proposal to Moscow through multiple diplomatic channels. Trump’s National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, is scheduled to meet his Russian counterpart, while Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to visit Moscow for talks with Putin. Trump himself expressed optimism about a swift resolution, stating that he anticipated a discussion with Putin in the coming days.
The ceasefire agreement marks a shift in U.S. policy after initial tensions between Trump and Zelenskiy. A contentious meeting between the two in February had resulted in the suspension of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing, but Tuesday’s announcement signaled a reversal, with Ukraine confirming that support had resumed.
European nations have also reaffirmed their commitment to the peace process. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is set to visit the White House on Thursday, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has engaged in discussions with European counterparts on security guarantees for Ukraine. Sybiha is scheduled to visit Poland, a key NATO ally and strong supporter of Kyiv, on Wednesday.
Commenting on the developments, Tusk emphasized Europe’s readiness to contribute to a stable and just peace. "It seems like the Americans and Ukrainians have taken an important step towards peace. And Europe stands ready to help reach a just and lasting peace," he posted on social media.
Meanwhile, tensions on the battlefield remain high. Ukrainian forces face pressure from Russian advances, particularly in the Kursk region, where Moscow’s troops have launched a fresh offensive. Ukraine responded with its largest drone strike on Moscow to date, downing 337 drones over Russian territory. The attack resulted in casualties at a meat warehouse and briefly disrupted operations at Moscow’s airports.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the world awaits Russia’s response to the ceasefire proposal, which could determine the next phase of the war and prospects for a broader peace agreement.