'The ball is in Russia's court': Trump invites Zelenskyy back to White House after Ukraine agrees to 30-day ceasefire

11 March 2025, 18:12 | Updated: 12 March 2025, 06:43

Donald Trump has said Volodymyr Zelenskyy is welcome back in the White House just days after the pair's diplomatic bust up - with Ukraine agreeing to America's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.

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Speaking to reporters following his delegation's successful talks in Saudi Arabia, the US President said: “Ukraine. Ceasefire. Just agreed to a little white ago… Ukraine has agreed to it, and hopefully Russia will agree to it.”

"The ball is in Russia's court," said Trump on Tuesday following news of the breakthrough.

He added that he hopes the ceasefire will take effect “over the next few days”, adding that he will speak to Russian leader Vladimir Putin this week as it “takes two to tango”.

Asked whether the Ukrainian President was invited back to the White House, the US President replied: “Sure, absolutely”.

It comes after the pair's explosive row in the Oval Office, which later saw the US later pause military aid and the sharing of intelligence with Ukraine earlier this month.

A joint statement shared by the US state department confirmed security these have now been resumed, with both countries agreeing to a proposal to a 30-day ceasefire following talks in Jeddah.

Zelenskyy said that his country considers the offer "positive", adding: "We are ready to take this step."

He said on Telegram: "The American side understands our arguments, accepts our proposals, and I want to thank president Trump for the constructiveness of the conversation between our teams."

Mr Zelenskyy went on: "Ukraine is ready for peace," adding Russia "must show whether it is ready to stop the war or continue it.

"The time has come for the full truth."

Speaking to reporters following the statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US has made an offer "to enter into a ceasefire and enter into negotiations to end this conflict in a way that is enduring and sustainable".

The diplomat added that the US will "take this offer now to the Russians" and "hope" they will say yes.

"The ball is in their court," he added, and insisting President Trump is keen for the war to end.

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Mr Trump said on Monday that Ukraine 'may not survive' the war with Russia even with the US backing the nation.

He was asked about his decision to pause funding for Ukraine amid the ongoing invasion.

The president responded: "Well, it may not survive anyway."

He added: "But we have some weaknesses with Russia. You know, it takes two."

Pressed on whether he was "comfortable" with the idea of Ukraine falling into the hands of Russia, the question followed comments made by Polish President Andrzej Duda "that without American support, Ukraine will not survive".

But while US-Ukraine relations now appear to be on the mend, Russian bombs are still raining down on Ukraine.

Just hours after Kyiv and Washington agreed to the ceasefire, Russia launched an overnight air attack on the Ukrainian capital.

Vitali Klitschko, mayor of the Ukrainian capital, said air defence forces engaged in repelling the strikes

Ukraine peace deal - statement in full

Today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – under the gracious hospitality of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – the United States and Ukraine took important steps toward restoring durable peace for Ukraine.

Representatives of both nations praised the bravery of the Ukrainian people in defence of their nation and agreed that now is the time to begin a process toward lasting peace.

The Ukrainian delegation reiterated the Ukrainian people’s strong gratitude to President Trump, the U.S. Congress, and the people of the United States for making possible meaningful progress toward peace.

Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation. The United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace.

The United States will immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine.

The delegations also discussed the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the above-mentioned ceasefire, including the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.

Both delegations agreed to name their negotiating teams and immediately begin negotiations toward an enduring peace that provides for Ukraine’s long-term security. The United States committed to discussing these specific proposals with representatives from Russia. The Ukrainian delegation reiterated that European partners shall be involved in the peace process.

Lastly, both countries’ presidents agreed to conclude as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources to expand Ukraine’s economy and guarantee Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security.