Ukraine Accepts 30-Day Ceasefire Proposal Amid U.S. Aid Resumption

Ukraine has expressed its willingness to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, coinciding with the U.S. lifting a freeze on aid. Negotiations in Saudi Arabia lasted over eight hours, leading to commitments for peace discussions and security guarantees as Ukraine seeks to bolster its defensive capabilities and economy.

During discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine expressed its willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. This development follows the lifting of a previous freeze on intelligence sharing and military assistance by the United States. A joint statement by the U.S. and Ukraine highlighted that the interim ceasefire could be extended by mutual agreement, contingent upon acceptance and implementation by Russia.

The negotiations spanned over eight hours, featuring prominent Ukrainian officials and a U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The U.S. plans to immediately resume intelligence sharing and security support, which had been suspended following a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former President Trump in February. These cutbacks had placed Ukraine in a precarious position in its conflict with Russia.

While the potential for a ceasefire hinges on Russia’s acceptance, the U.S. has committed to facilitating a dialogue between the involved parties. Following the talks, a U.S. official indicated that both sides would identify their negotiation teams to advance discussions towards a lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s security.

The statement also noted an agreement between Trump and Zelenskyy to expedite a comprehensive deal surrounding the development of critical mineral resources in Ukraine, thus enhancing its economy. Washington has urged Kyiv to formalize an arrangement that would allow U.S. access to these resources, and Zelenskyy demonstrated his readiness to proceed with such discussions.

Ukrainian officials reiterated their readiness for peace negotiations, emphasizing the necessity of addressing security guarantees to prevent future aggression. Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak conveyed that the primary objective is to initiate the peace process, while further security measures would follow subsequently.

In summary, Ukraine is poised to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, supported by the lifting of U.S. military aid restrictions. Following extensive negotiations, a structured approach towards peace has been established, with significant collaborations on economic development through shared mineral resources. While the acceptance of the ceasefire remains contingent on Russia’s response, both nations have commenced preparations for further negotiations, underscoring a commitment to achieving long-term security for Ukraine.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com