Ukraine Accepts US Proposed 30-Day Ceasefire with Russia

Ukraine is ready to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, proposed by the US after discussions in Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will communicate the offer to Russia. The US plans to restart intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine, focusing on peace negotiations as the ongoing conflict continues to escalate in the region.

Ukraine is poised to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, a proposal put forward by the United States following discussions held in Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he would convey the proposal to Russia, emphasizing that the decision now rests with them. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated that it is incumbent upon the US to persuade Russia to accept this advantageous proposal.

The recent talks in Jeddah marked the first official encounter between the two nations since a notable clash involving President Zelensky and former President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. A joint statement revealed that the United States intends to resume intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine, which had been suspended previously due to the tense relations following that meeting.

Rubio expressed optimism that Russia would accept the ceasefire, declaring Ukraine’s readiness to cease hostilities and engage in negotiations. He noted that if Russia declines the offer, it would indicate their position as the barrier to achieving peace. This 30-day ceasefire offer extends beyond Zelensky’s earlier suggestion for a limited truce, acknowledging the ongoing hostilities since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Following the announcement, Rubio characterized the situation, stating that the vital objective is to restore peace, not merely improve diplomatic relations between Trump and Zelensky. The US and Ukrainian teams convened after orchestrated drone strikes in Moscow resulted in casualties, which Russia interpreted as Ukraine’s unwillingness to pursue diplomatic channels.

In addition, the two leaders have committed to formalizing a critical minerals agreement to grant the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth materials in return for security assurances. Meanwhile, the US delegation in Jeddah included key security advisors, indicating the intense efforts behind enhancing US-Ukrainian relations.

Moreover, the ongoing military conflict persisted on the ground, highlighted by the largest drone assault on Moscow since the conflict escalated. Reports of drone interceptions and casualties on both sides were reported amidst this turmoil as effective negotiations continue to remain crucial to achieving a resolution.

Ukraine’s willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States marks a significant potential shift towards peace negotiations with Russia. The outcome now largely depends on Russia’s response to this initiative. Both parties have expressed a desire for renewed discussions regarding security and diplomatic relations, amidst ongoing military hostilities. The progress on ceasefire talks and critical minerals agreements reflects the necessity of collaboration between Ukraine and the US to navigate the current crisis effectively.

Original Source: www.bbc.com