Ukraine is ready to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, proposed by the U.S. after discussions in Saudi Arabia. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio plans to present this to Russia, while both sides prepare to form negotiation teams. Ongoing military actions remind of the urgency for peace talks amidst continued violence and diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation.
Ukraine has agreed to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, following discussions in Saudi Arabia with U.S. representatives. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to present this proposal to Russia, emphasizing the importance of their response. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that convincing Russia is now a task for the U.S. This meeting marked the first official dialogue after previous tensions between Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump.
A joint statement indicated the U.S. would resume intelligence sharing and security support to Ukraine, previously halted. Both countries’ representatives committed to forming negotiation teams for lasting peace, focusing on Ukraine’s security. Rubio expressed hope that Russia would agree to the ceasefire, stating Ukraine is ready to initiate discussions.
Rubio clarified that if Russia declines the ceasefire offer, it would indicate their unwillingness to pursue peace. The ceasefire proposal expands upon Zelensky’s earlier suggestions for limited temporary ceasefires. Since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, they have occupied about 20% of Ukrainian lands.
During the press conference, Rubio acknowledged the ongoing human cost of the conflict, urging for progress towards peace and downplaying any entertainment value in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Reports of drone attacks in Moscow occurred amid these talks, showing the urgency of initiating diplomatic dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict.
Additionally, there were plans to finalize a critical minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine, which was complicated by previous political disputes. Although this was not the focus of Tuesday’s talks, it remains a key aspect of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The U.S. delegation, including national security advisor Mike Waltz, visited Jeddah to enhance diplomatic efforts.
The U.S. president has been pressing for a swift resolution to the war, despite Ukrainian demands for immediate security assurances. Just days prior, Trump threatened new sanctions against Russia, which has already faced significant penalties for its military actions. As discussions continued, air strikes and drone warfare persisted on the ground, impacting civilians on both sides.
In summary, Ukraine’s willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, following U.S. mediated talks, marks a potential shift towards peace negotiations. The U.S. aims to re-establish intelligence and security support for Ukraine while urging Russia to engage in dialogue. Recent drone attacks and ongoing military conflicts underscore the pressing need for a resolution, as both countries gear up for continued negotiations. The situation remains fluid and requires close monitoring.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
