Ukraine Accepts U.S. Proposal for 30-Day Ceasefire and Immediate Negotiations

In a pivotal development, Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal from the United States, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict with Russia. This decision came after crucial talks held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where both sides, including high-ranking U.S. officials and Ukrainian representatives, convened to discuss terms for peace.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Ukraine had expressed readiness to accept the proposal, which includes the implementation of a temporary ceasefire, subject to Russian acceptance and mutual agreement. The U.S. will communicate this proposal to Russia, with hopes that the Russian Federation will reciprocate, ultimately leading to peace.

“The ball is now in their court,” said Rubio, underlining the U.S. position that Russian cooperation is essential for achieving peace.

The ceasefire proposal, which can be extended by mutual consent, is seen as a first step towards de-escalating the ongoing war. Ukraine has already indicated its willingness to cooperate, as expressed by President Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, who emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to do everything possible to achieve peace.

In addition to the ceasefire discussions, the talks included crucial conversations regarding the restoration of U.S. military aid, intelligence sharing, and access to satellite imagery that had been cut off following a public dispute between Ukrainian President Zelensky and former U.S. President Trump. Zelensky has also been in talks with Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler about a deal regarding Ukrainian mineral resources, which has been a contentious issue since Trump’s push for U.S. control over these resources.

Meanwhile, Russia has continued to escalate its military activities, including retaking territories in Ukraine’s Kursk region. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov downplayed the significance of the ceasefire proposal, stating that there were no ongoing negotiations yet, and suggested that the U.S. would learn more about Ukraine’s stance through these talks.

Ukrainian officials have also been using strategic military actions, such as the largest drone attack in history on Moscow, to push Russia toward agreeing to the ceasefire. The Ukrainian government described the attack as a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he should also be interested in de-escalating the conflict.

In light of these developments, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz expressed hope that the end of the war is now a matter of “how,” rather than “if.” However, the road ahead remains fraught with uncertainty, as the Russian response remains a key factor in determining the outcome of these negotiations.

Minerals Deal and U.S. Policy Shift

A significant aspect of the ongoing talks is the proposed minerals deal, which would grant the U.S. control over Ukrainian mineral resources. This agreement has been a focal point of tension, particularly after Trump’s administration pushed for such an arrangement. The details of the deal are still under discussion, and its resolution could have a substantial impact on the broader geopolitical dynamics of the conflict.

In addition to the ceasefire and negotiations, the U.S. is contemplating further sanctions against Russia, aimed at pressuring the Kremlin to engage in meaningful peace talks. Trump’s recent policy shifts, including his comments siding with Russia at the UN, have left some U.S. allies perplexed, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

As the U.S. prepares to engage with Russia, the future of the conflict hinges on the next steps both sides take in response to the ceasefire proposal.