*Ukraine's readiness for a 30-day ceasefire signals a potential shift towards diplomacy in the ongoing conflict with Russia, following recent talks mediated by the United States.*
**Ukraine Offers 30-Day Ceasefire Proposal to Russia Amid New Peace Talks**
**Ukraine Offers 30-Day Ceasefire Proposal to Russia Amid New Peace Talks**
*The US facilitates diplomatic negotiations in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a temporary halt in hostilities.*
In a significant diplomatic development, Ukraine has consented to a 30-day ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States during negotiations held in Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the offer after a day of discussions in Jeddah, stating he would convey the ceasefire proposal to Russia, emphasizing that "the ball is in their court."
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that the United States could persuade Russia to accept what he termed a "positive" move towards peace. These discussions mark the first official engagement between the US and Ukraine following a contentious meeting between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office that raised tensions in US-Ukraine relations.
In a statement released jointly by the US and Ukrainian delegations, they agreed to appoint negotiating teams and immediately commence negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace, which is vital for Ukraine's long-term security. Rubio shared optimism that Russia would consider the ceasefire proposal. "Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking," he remarked, adding that should Russia decline, the impediments to peace would be clearer.
The proposed 30-day ceasefire extends beyond Zelensky's earlier suggestions for more limited truce options in specific areas, with Russia currently occupying about 20% of Ukraine following its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Rubio downplayed the notion of restoring personal relationships between Trump and Zelensky, instead focusing on the urgent need for peace. "Today people will die in this war… unless there's a ceasefire," he asserted, highlighting the human cost of continued conflict.
Discussions took place in the shadow of ongoing violence, with recent drone attacks in Moscow resulting in casualties, underscoring the brutality of the war. In Jeddah, US and Ukrainian delegations also revisited a previously stalled minerals deal, aiming to secure US access to Ukrainian rare earth minerals in exchange for security guarantees.
The urgency for a swift resolution to the war remains a core agenda for President Trump, who has been pressuring Zelensky for a ceasefire while withholding immediate security assurances. This comes amid escalated drone attacks between the nations, which have left casualties on both sides, complicating diplomatic endeavors.
With peace talks underway, the international community watches closely, hoping for a turn toward diplomacy and stability in a region devastated by months of conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that the United States could persuade Russia to accept what he termed a "positive" move towards peace. These discussions mark the first official engagement between the US and Ukraine following a contentious meeting between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office that raised tensions in US-Ukraine relations.
In a statement released jointly by the US and Ukrainian delegations, they agreed to appoint negotiating teams and immediately commence negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace, which is vital for Ukraine's long-term security. Rubio shared optimism that Russia would consider the ceasefire proposal. "Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking," he remarked, adding that should Russia decline, the impediments to peace would be clearer.
The proposed 30-day ceasefire extends beyond Zelensky's earlier suggestions for more limited truce options in specific areas, with Russia currently occupying about 20% of Ukraine following its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Rubio downplayed the notion of restoring personal relationships between Trump and Zelensky, instead focusing on the urgent need for peace. "Today people will die in this war… unless there's a ceasefire," he asserted, highlighting the human cost of continued conflict.
Discussions took place in the shadow of ongoing violence, with recent drone attacks in Moscow resulting in casualties, underscoring the brutality of the war. In Jeddah, US and Ukrainian delegations also revisited a previously stalled minerals deal, aiming to secure US access to Ukrainian rare earth minerals in exchange for security guarantees.
The urgency for a swift resolution to the war remains a core agenda for President Trump, who has been pressuring Zelensky for a ceasefire while withholding immediate security assurances. This comes amid escalated drone attacks between the nations, which have left casualties on both sides, complicating diplomatic endeavors.
With peace talks underway, the international community watches closely, hoping for a turn toward diplomacy and stability in a region devastated by months of conflict.
