In a significant development, Ukraine has expressed its readiness to accept an immediate 30-day ceasefire with Russia, a proposal introduced by the United States following a day of discussions in Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he would present this offer to Russia, emphasizing that the decision now lies with them.
During the talks held in Jeddah, which marked the first official meeting between the two nations since the contentious encounter between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, both delegations made significant strides. In a joint statement, the United States confirmed plans to resume intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine, which had been halted following the unprecedented meeting.
Both parties agreed to form negotiating teams to initiate discussions aimed at achieving a lasting peace that ensures Ukraine's long-term security. Rubio, addressing a press conference in Jeddah, expressed optimism that Russia would accept the ceasefire proposal, stating, "Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking." He added that if Russia were to reject the offer, it would clarify the obstacles to peace.
The proposed 30-day ceasefire extends beyond Zelensky's previous suggestion for a partial truce concerning air and sea operations. Zelensky expressed gratitude to Trump for the constructive nature of the Jeddah talks. In a video message, he remarked that Russia must demonstrate its willingness to either cease hostilities or continue the conflict, urging for transparency in the ongoing situation.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has controlled approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. When questioned about the implications of the talks on the relationship between Trump and Zelensky, Rubio asserted that the focus should remain on peace rather than personal dynamics, saying, "This is not Mean Girls; today, people are dying in this war."
The discussions took place against the backdrop of overnight drone attacks that claimed at least three lives in Moscow. Russian officials interpreted these attacks as evidence that Ukraine had rejected diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. The urgency of achieving a ceasefire was underscored by the ongoing violence, with daily casualties reported.
In addition to the ceasefire discussions, Trump and Zelensky have also aimed to finalize a pivotal deal regarding critical minerals. Ukraine has proposed granting the United States access to its rare earth mineral reserves in exchange for security assurances. This initiative, which had been complicated by political tensions, was not a primary focus of Tuesday's talks, according to Rubio.
The US delegation in Jeddah included notable figures such as National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff is expected to travel to Russia soon, although plans may change rapidly. A swift resolution to the war in Ukraine remains a central objective for the US administration, with increasing pressure on Zelensky to agree to a ceasefire, despite the lack of immediate security guarantees that Ukraine insists upon.
On Friday, Trump indicated potential further sanctions against Russia as part of his strategy to promote a diplomatic resolution. The US has already imposed extensive sanctions on Russia due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump described the current military situation as dire, noting that Russia is "pounding" Ukraine on the battlefield.
As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches closely to see if these diplomatic efforts can pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
