Ukraine accepts 30-day ceasefire proposal in landmark Saudi talks while Russia balks at what it calls “completely unacceptable” terms that would allow the US to “rearm Ukraine and start the war anew.”
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine has agreed to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire that would require mutual acceptance from Russia to take effect immediately.
- The US will resume intelligence sharing and humanitarian aid to Ukraine regardless of Russia’s response to the proposal.
- Russian officials have already signaled resistance, with State Duma Deputy Viktor Sobolev calling the proposal “completely unacceptable.”
- The agreement includes provisions for humanitarian actions including prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children.
- A significant economic deal focused on Ukraine’s critical mineral resources is being developed alongside peace efforts.
Ukraine Accepts US Ceasefire Proposal as Russia Signals Rejection
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough during high-level talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian officials have agreed to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire plan that would temporarily halt all hostilities across the entire front line. The agreement came after intensive negotiations led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his delegation to discuss pathways toward ending the prolonged conflict with Russia. The ceasefire would include an immediate cessation of missile strikes, drone attacks, and all other combat operations.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs formalized the country’s position in a statement, saying Ukraine had “expressed readiness to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation.” The ceasefire would freeze fighting along current battle lines and could be extended if both sides agree, offering a crucial opportunity to initiate substantive peace negotiations.
US Resumes Aid as Peace Efforts Advance
In a major policy shift, the US has committed to immediately reinstating intelligence sharing and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine that had been suspended following earlier tensions between President Trump and President Zelenskyy. This decision signals strong American support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities even as diplomatic efforts continue. The resumption of intelligence cooperation represents a crucial lifeline for Ukrainian forces, who have relied heavily on US information to protect civilian infrastructure and coordinate defensive operations.
“Ukraine welcomes this proposal. We see it as a positive step, and we are ready to take it. The United States must now persuade Russia to do the same. If Russia agrees, silence will take effect immediately,” stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the conclusion of the talks in Jeddah.
Secretary of State Rubio emphasized the significance of Ukraine’s acceptance, stating: “Today, we made an offer that the Ukrainians have accepted, which is to enter into a ceasefire and into immediate negotiations to end this conflict in a way that’s enduring and sustainable and accounts for their interests, their security, their ability to prosper as a nation.” The proposal underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to finding a diplomatic solution while ensuring Ukraine maintains its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russia’s Resistance and the Path Forward
Despite Ukraine’s acceptance, the ceasefire plan faces significant hurdles with early Russian reactions indicating strong opposition. Russian State Duma Deputy Viktor Sobolev dismissed the proposal in stark terms, saying: “The US will rearm Ukraine in 30 days of cease-fire and start the war anew – Russia will not go for it. I think that this is completely unacceptable. Some kind of temporary cease-fire. A temporary truce … is unacceptable.”
President Trump acknowledged the challenges ahead with his characteristic directness: “It takes two to tango.” The president added, “Now we have to go to Russia and hopefully President Putin will agree to that, and we can get this show on the road.” This reflects the administration’s pragmatic approach to the complex geopolitical standoff, recognizing that meaningful progress requires cooperation from both Ukraine and Russia.
Humanitarian Elements and Economic Cooperation
Beyond the cessation of hostilities, the US-Ukraine agreement addresses critical humanitarian concerns including prisoner exchanges, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred during the conflict. These humanitarian provisions reflect a holistic approach to alleviating the war’s devastating impact on civilian populations while building confidence between the warring parties.
“We’ve gone from if the war is going to end — to now how the war is going to end,” said National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, highlighting the significant shift in diplomatic momentum achieved through the Jeddah talks.
The negotiations also made substantial progress on economic cooperation, with both sides agreeing to resume discussions on a comprehensive mineral-rights deal focused on Ukraine’s abundant critical and rare-earth minerals. This economic dimension could provide Ukraine with vital resources for reconstruction while strengthening its long-term relationship with the United States. The agreement would align with President Trump’s vision of securing supply chains for strategic materials while providing Ukraine with economic opportunities beyond the conflict.
