Ukraine is prepared to agree to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia following discussions in Saudi Arabia. This proposal, communicated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to initiate peace negotiations, with both delegations committing to form negotiation teams. The ceasefire extends beyond previous offers, coinciding with reinstated US security assistance. Continuous military engagements highlight the ongoing complexity of achieving peace amidst the conflict.
Ukraine has expressed its willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, as proposed by the United States. This decision follows discussions held in Saudi Arabia, marking the first official meeting between the two nations after a tense encounter between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he would convey this proposal to Russia, stating, “the ball is in their court.”
In a statement, President Zelensky emphasized that it is now the responsibility of the US to persuade Russia to accept this beneficial ceasefire proposal. During the discussions in Jeddah, both delegations committed to forming their negotiation teams to initiate dialogue for a lasting peace agreement that ensures Ukraine’s security. Rubio articulated optimism about Russia’s acceptance of the ceasefire, stressing that Ukraine is “ready to stop shooting and start talking.”
The ceasefire offer extends beyond Zelensky’s initial idea for a partial truce covering specific regions. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has gained control over approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory. In conjunction with the ceasefire proposal, the US reaffirmed its intent to reinstate intelligence sharing and security assistance for Ukraine, which had been previously suspended.
In reference to the previously strained relationship between Trump and Zelensky, Rubio hoped that the focus would remain on achieving peace rather than personal dynamics. He highlighted the ongoing casualties of the conflict, stating, “today people will die in this war… unless there’s a ceasefire, they will die tomorrow.” Reports of drone attacks in Moscow resulted in fatalities and injuries, further complicating the diplomatic discussions.
Simultaneously, efforts have been made to finalize a deal regarding Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, a topic that arose amidst diplomatic tensions. In the context of the ongoing war, US President Trump has emphasized the urgency of reaching a ceasefire while hinting at potential sanctions against Russia, underscoring the pervasive conflict that continues to affect both nations.
Following a series of drone attacks in Russian territories and retaliatory actions by Ukraine, the situation on the ground remains volatile, showing the complexities of achieving a peace deal amidst persistent hostilities. Various military engagements continue to escalate the conflict, exacerbating the urgent need for negotiations to foster stability and security in the region.
In summary, Ukraine’s readiness to accept a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States represents a significant diplomatic move towards peace negotiations with Russia. The commitment from both sides to establish negotiation teams signals a possible shift in dialogue amidst ongoing hostilities. However, continuous military actions and casualties underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the delicate balance in achieving enduring peace and security in Ukraine.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
