Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Tuesday that Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal put forward by the United States following critical peace talks in Saudi Arabia. The ceasefire is set to cover the entire front line of the ongoing conflict with Russia, and Zelensky emphasized that it will begin as soon as Russia agrees to it.
During the lengthy, over-eight-hour talks, Zelensky stated, “Ukraine accepts this proposal, we consider it positive, we are ready to take such a step, and the United States of America must convince Russia to do so.” The ceasefire is seen as a crucial step toward de-escalating the conflict and facilitating further negotiations.
U.S. Resumes Security Assistance to Ukraine
Following the meeting, the United States and Ukraine issued a joint statement confirming that US security assistance to Ukraine would resume. The statement also confirmed the lifting of a pause on intelligence sharing, marking a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral support. A Ukrainian official confirmed that US security assistance had already resumed.
Pressure on Russia to Agree to Peace
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking after the talks, made it clear that the responsibility now lies with Russia to respond positively to the ceasefire proposal. He said, “We hope that they’ll say yes, that they’ll say yes to peace. The ball is now in their court.”
In a show of support, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the news of the ceasefire agreement and expressed his intention to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the proposal, possibly as early as this week. This shift in diplomacy comes after recent tensions between Trump and Ukraine’s leadership, making Tuesday’s talks a significant development for Kyiv.
Critical Timing as Conflict Escalates in Kursk
The peace talks come at a critical juncture in the war, as Russian forces continue their advance in the Kursk region of Russia, where Ukraine launched a surprise incursion in August. The situation threatens Kyiv’s strategic territorial leverage in peace negotiations, making the ceasefire proposal all the more important for Ukraine’s bargaining position.
Key Provisions of the Ceasefire Agreement
The U.S.-Ukraine joint statement emphasized that Ukraine had expressed readiness to accept the proposed 30-day ceasefire, with the potential for an extension subject to mutual agreement. However, the statement also underlined that Russia’s acceptance and implementation of the ceasefire are vital to achieving peace. The U.S. has committed to urging Russia to reciprocate in the pursuit of peace.
Zelensky outlined Ukraine’s additional proposals for the ceasefire, including “silence” in the sky and at sea, the release of Ukrainian prisoners to build confidence, and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. Both sides have also agreed to conclude a deal related to rare minerals, which is expected to boost Ukraine’s economy and ensure long-term security.
High-Level U.S. Participation in the Talks
The Ukrainian delegation, which did not include President Zelensky, met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Both Rubio and Waltz had previously engaged in direct talks with Russian officials last month, signaling continued US involvement in the peace process.
The developments signal a crucial shift in diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides now holding the potential for a 30-day ceasefire to pave the way for further peace talks.
