Ukraine Expresses Willingness to Accept US Proposal for 30-Day Ceasefire
Following constructive US-Ukrainian negotiations in Jeddah, Ukraine signals readiness for temporary ceasefire and immediate talks.
Ukraine announced that its discussions with the United States, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, have made significant strides toward achieving lasting peace.
The Ukrainian presidency stated that they are prepared to accept a US proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, which could be extended upon mutual agreement between the parties and is contingent upon acceptance and simultaneous implementation by Russia.
The US intends to convey to Moscow that "reciprocity from Russia is key to achieving peace."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Washington needs to "convince" Moscow to accept the proposal put forth during the US-Ukrainian talks in Jeddah.
In a daily address on social media, Zelensky remarked that Ukraine views the ceasefire proposal "positively."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that it is now up to Russia to decide on the acceptance of the ceasefire.
He stated that Ukraine is prepared for negotiations, and after over eight hours of talks in Jeddah, he conveyed hope that Russia would agree to peace, stating, "the ball is now in their court."
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz expressed optimism about ending the war in Ukraine following Ukraine's acceptance of the 30-day ceasefire proposal and immediate negotiations, saying, "We have moved from whether the war will end to how to end it." Waltz mentioned he would speak with his Russian counterpart.
The United States and Ukraine held productive discussions in Jeddah with the presence of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State and Cabinet Member Musaad al-Aiban.
On the US side, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz represented the country, while Ukraine was represented by Andriy Yermak, Director of the Office of the President, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Sources indicate a positive atmosphere prevailed during the discussions.
Andriy Yermak stated that the talks marked a constructive beginning for dialogues aimed at resolving the war between Moscow and Kyiv.
He posted on Telegram, accompanied by photos from the meeting, that the session with the US team began in a very constructive manner, emphasizing efforts towards achieving a just and sustainable peace after three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The talks come as US President Donald Trump exerts pressure on Kyiv to conclude the conflict initiated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Kyiv hopes that the partial ceasefire proposal will persuade Washington to resume military assistance, intelligence sharing, and access to satellite imagery that had been halted following a heated dispute in the White House between Trump and Zelensky.
The Ukrainian presidency indicated that the US would immediately lift the temporary suspension of intelligence sharing and resume military assistance to Ukraine.
It was also reported that both delegations discussed the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the proposed ceasefire involving prisoner exchanges, the release of civilian detainees, and the repatriation of forcibly relocated Ukrainian children.
The delegations agreed to appoint their respective teams and commence negotiations for a lasting peace that secures Ukraine in the long term.
The US committed to discussing these proposals with representatives from Russia, according to statements from the Ukrainian presidency.
The Ukrainian delegation confirmed that European partners would also participate in the peace process.
Economically, the Ukrainian presidency stated that both countries agreed to expedite a comprehensive agreement aimed at developing essential mineral resources in Ukraine to bolster its economy, offset the costs of US assistance, and ensure Ukraine's prosperity and security in the long run.
President Zelensky noted that Ukraine's position in these discussions would be fully constructive following a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he described as a "remarkable meeting," praising the Crown Prince's efforts to enhance opportunities for achieving genuine peace.
Furthermore, Abbas Dahok, a former military advisor at the US State Department, indicated that these meetings could play a crucial role in regaining trust and strengthening diplomatic relations between the US and Ukraine.
Dahok stated that high-level discussions provided an opportunity to clarify ambiguities, unify strategic priorities, and highlight shared goals in countering the ongoing Russian aggression.
Nonetheless, he pointed out that the success of these discussions would depend on tangible political commitments and whether both parties can address frustrations arising from delays in military assistance and intelligence sharing or political changes in Washington.
He highlighted that achieving a diplomatic breakthrough is contingent on Russia's willingness to negotiate the return of occupied territories, as well as Ukraine's strategic objectives concerning its broader relationship with Europe and NATO.
The Ukrainian presidency stated that they are prepared to accept a US proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, which could be extended upon mutual agreement between the parties and is contingent upon acceptance and simultaneous implementation by Russia.
The US intends to convey to Moscow that "reciprocity from Russia is key to achieving peace."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Washington needs to "convince" Moscow to accept the proposal put forth during the US-Ukrainian talks in Jeddah.
In a daily address on social media, Zelensky remarked that Ukraine views the ceasefire proposal "positively."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that it is now up to Russia to decide on the acceptance of the ceasefire.
He stated that Ukraine is prepared for negotiations, and after over eight hours of talks in Jeddah, he conveyed hope that Russia would agree to peace, stating, "the ball is now in their court."
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz expressed optimism about ending the war in Ukraine following Ukraine's acceptance of the 30-day ceasefire proposal and immediate negotiations, saying, "We have moved from whether the war will end to how to end it." Waltz mentioned he would speak with his Russian counterpart.
The United States and Ukraine held productive discussions in Jeddah with the presence of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State and Cabinet Member Musaad al-Aiban.
On the US side, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz represented the country, while Ukraine was represented by Andriy Yermak, Director of the Office of the President, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Sources indicate a positive atmosphere prevailed during the discussions.
Andriy Yermak stated that the talks marked a constructive beginning for dialogues aimed at resolving the war between Moscow and Kyiv.
He posted on Telegram, accompanied by photos from the meeting, that the session with the US team began in a very constructive manner, emphasizing efforts towards achieving a just and sustainable peace after three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The talks come as US President Donald Trump exerts pressure on Kyiv to conclude the conflict initiated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Kyiv hopes that the partial ceasefire proposal will persuade Washington to resume military assistance, intelligence sharing, and access to satellite imagery that had been halted following a heated dispute in the White House between Trump and Zelensky.
The Ukrainian presidency indicated that the US would immediately lift the temporary suspension of intelligence sharing and resume military assistance to Ukraine.
It was also reported that both delegations discussed the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the proposed ceasefire involving prisoner exchanges, the release of civilian detainees, and the repatriation of forcibly relocated Ukrainian children.
The delegations agreed to appoint their respective teams and commence negotiations for a lasting peace that secures Ukraine in the long term.
The US committed to discussing these proposals with representatives from Russia, according to statements from the Ukrainian presidency.
The Ukrainian delegation confirmed that European partners would also participate in the peace process.
Economically, the Ukrainian presidency stated that both countries agreed to expedite a comprehensive agreement aimed at developing essential mineral resources in Ukraine to bolster its economy, offset the costs of US assistance, and ensure Ukraine's prosperity and security in the long run.
President Zelensky noted that Ukraine's position in these discussions would be fully constructive following a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he described as a "remarkable meeting," praising the Crown Prince's efforts to enhance opportunities for achieving genuine peace.
Furthermore, Abbas Dahok, a former military advisor at the US State Department, indicated that these meetings could play a crucial role in regaining trust and strengthening diplomatic relations between the US and Ukraine.
Dahok stated that high-level discussions provided an opportunity to clarify ambiguities, unify strategic priorities, and highlight shared goals in countering the ongoing Russian aggression.
Nonetheless, he pointed out that the success of these discussions would depend on tangible political commitments and whether both parties can address frustrations arising from delays in military assistance and intelligence sharing or political changes in Washington.
He highlighted that achieving a diplomatic breakthrough is contingent on Russia's willingness to negotiate the return of occupied territories, as well as Ukraine's strategic objectives concerning its broader relationship with Europe and NATO.