Ukraine has agreed to a U.S.-proposed immediate 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Russia accepting the same terms, following high-level negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
“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,” a joint U.S.-Ukrainian statement read.
Both delegations also committed to appointing negotiating teams and initiating talks toward a lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s long-term security.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will present the proposal to Moscow, emphasized that “the ball is in the (Russians’) court” and that a rejection would clarify “what the impediment is to peace.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though absent from the Saudi Arabia talks, welcomed the U.S. stance, stating that Washington “understands (Ukraine’s) arguments and accepts our proposals.” He reaffirmed that Ukraine has sought peace from the start and remains committed to achieving a lasting resolution.
“If the Russian side agrees to the conditions of a complete ceasefire—not only with regard to missiles, drones, and bombs, not only in the Black Sea, but also along the entire frontline—the silence will take effect at that very moment,” Zelenskyy added.
In a major policy reversal, the Trump administration announced that it would immediately lift its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The decision follows over a week of pressure aimed at pushing Kyiv into negotiations with Moscow.
Additionally, the two sides discussed a potential deal on critical raw minerals, with a post-meeting statement confirming that an agreement should be reached “as soon as possible.”
