Ukraine Proposes 30-Day Ceasefire with Russia Amid U.S. Aid Resumption
Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia during talks in Saudi Arabia, with the U.S. lifting a freeze on military aid and intelligence. The negotiations, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focus on peace talks and include commitments to discuss Ukraine’s mineral resources. There remains uncertainty regarding Russia’s response to the ceasefire proposal, while U.S. and European cooperation is emphasized for lasting security.
In a recent meeting held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine has expressed a willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. This decision follows discussions involving U.S. officials, who have pledged to immediately resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. A joint statement issued by both parties emphasized that the ceasefire is contingent upon Russia’s acceptance and cooperation.
The discussions took place over eight hours, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the American delegation. The statement underscored that the U.S. would lift the halt on intelligence sharing that had been implemented after a contentious meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former President Trump in February. The suspension of assistance had placed Ukraine at a significant disadvantage in its fight against the ongoing Russian aggression since 2022.
It remains uncertain whether Russia will reciprocate the ceasefire proposal. Steve Witkoff, who has previously met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is expected to travel to Russia soon to further engage on the matter. Both delegations have agreed to establish negotiating teams and concentrate on enduring peace negotiations that would assure the long-term security of Ukraine. The involvement of European partners in the discussions has also been reiterated by Ukraine.
Moreover, the U.S. and Ukraine highlighted the urgency of finalizing a comprehensive agreement regarding Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. This initiative is designed to bolster Ukraine’s economy and ensure its prosperity and security in the long run. Zelenskyy has indicated readiness to advance discussions regarding this agreement before the negotiations in Jeddah took place.
Prior to the talks, a senior Ukrainian official conveyed to the U.S. delegation that Kyiv is amenable to negotiating a peace deal, while pointing out the necessity for Western security guarantees to deter future aggression from Russia. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, stressed the primary message from the Ukrainian delegation: “Ukrainians want peace” and emphasized the imperative to initiate the peace process promptly. He further acknowledged the significance of security guarantees to thwart any recurrence of aggression.
In summary, Ukraine’s readiness for a 30-day ceasefire proposes a pivotal step towards ending hostilities with Russia. The successful dialogue in Saudi Arabia, led by U.S. officials, aims to resume military support for Ukraine while addressing European involvement in peace negotiations. Moving forward, the pursuit of a comprehensive agreement regarding Ukraine’s critical mineral resources signifies strong economic relations, accompanied by the emphasis on securing Western guarantees to prevent further aggression. This development marks a crucial moment in the search for peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
