US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made it clear: “The ball is now in Russia’s court.” This marks a crucial moment in the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Following an intense round of discussions in Jeddah, the US and Ukraine released a joint statement, emphasizing a key message: “The United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace.”
Over the past few weeks, much focus has been placed on what Donald Trump expects from Ukraine, and the firm stance Washington has taken in its dealings with Kyiv. However, attention is now shifting toward Russia’s next move, and whether Moscow is prepared to match the diplomatic efforts.
So far, Trump’s interactions with Vladimir Putin have remained ambiguous, with no clear signs of the same pressure he has applied to Volodymyr Zelensky. The latest statement from the US and Ukraine does not suggest a sudden change in Trump’s approach toward Kyiv. Their relationship has long been fraught with mistrust and political friction.
Yet, the recent turbulent Oval Office encounter between Zelensky and Trump may now start to fade into the background as both sides move toward serious discussions on peace.
The temporary halt in US intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine lasted only a few days. With that now resumed, it is Russia that may be feeling the heat.
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Despite the positive shift in negotiations, many details remain unresolved. The statement outlines “substantive details” regarding a permanent resolution to the war and the security guarantees Ukraine can expect.
However, the final section suggests Washington’s focus on securing a critical minerals deal, rather than providing military assurances- something Kyiv has long demanded.
Zelensky and Trump, the statement confirms, have agreed to strike a deal “as soon as possible.” But how a commercial arrangement can deter future Russian aggression remains an open question.
The statement also notes that Ukraine reiterated the importance of European involvement in the peace process, though it does not clarify how Washington envisions Europe’s role.
The Saudi-hosted talks have provided a timely reset after days of diplomatic turmoil, but US-Ukraine alignment on the next steps is far from guaranteed.
For Zelensky, this latest development reinforces one crucial reality: he is dealing with an unpredictable American president, whose loyalties and diplomatic norms remain in constant flux.
While Ukraine may strive to keep the ball in Russia’s court, Zelensky knows all too well that at any moment, it could be thrown right back at him.