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| Ukraine and U.S. officials meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss a 30-day ceasefire as U.S. restores military aid to Ukraine. [gettyimages] |
Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States following crucial diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia. The temporary truce, which requires Russian approval to take effect, would cover the entire conflict zone, including air, land, and sea operations. This decision comes as Ukraine continues to grapple with ongoing Russian advances and mounting pressure from Western allies to find a path toward de-escalation.
The announcement marks a turning point in U.S.-Ukraine relations after weeks of diplomatic tension. Washington confirmed it would immediately resume security assistance and intelligence sharing, which had been paused following a dispute between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The pause in aid had left Kyiv in a vulnerable position, limiting its ability to track Russian troop movements and defend against missile strikes. Trump's decision to reinstate support suggests a shift in his administration’s approach, prioritizing a diplomatic resolution while maintaining military backing for Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the proposal is now in Moscow’s hands, urging Russia to reciprocate Ukraine’s willingness to halt hostilities. "The goal here is to negotiate a way out of this war. But before that can happen, both sides need to stop shooting," Rubio said. The United States has communicated to Moscow that Ukrainian acceptance of the ceasefire signals a genuine effort to pursue peace, and it is now up to the Russian leadership to decide whether to follow suit.
Trump echoed this sentiment, stating, "It takes two to tango," and expressing hope that Putin would also agree to the terms. Trump further indicated that he plans to engage in direct talks with Putin in the coming days, signaling an effort to bring Russia to the negotiating table. However, skepticism remains over whether Moscow will agree to a ceasefire without additional concessions. Russian officials have yet to confirm their stance but have indicated they are open to discussions. Russian Foreign Minister Maria Zakharova stated that contacts with U.S. representatives could occur in the coming days, though it remains unclear what conditions the Kremlin might impose for its participation.
Ukraine has outlined specific conditions tied to the ceasefire, emphasizing measures aimed at building trust between the warring sides. Among these conditions are the release of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken to Russia. Zelensky stressed that these humanitarian steps would help establish credibility in diplomatic efforts and serve as a foundation for future peace talks.
European leaders have been quick to endorse the ceasefire proposal, welcoming it as a crucial step toward long-term peace. The European Union described the agreement as a "positive development," while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated both Ukraine and the U.S. on reaching a "remarkable breakthrough." Leaders from Estonia, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and France have also expressed support, viewing the ceasefire as a necessary measure to stabilize the region. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously advocated for a one-month truce, a plan backed by the United Kingdom, underscoring Europe's vested interest in halting hostilities.
The diplomatic talks took place just hours after Ukraine carried out its largest drone attack on Russian territory since the war began. Russian officials claimed to have shot down 337 Ukrainian drones, with casualties reported in Moscow and surrounding regions. The attacks, which targeted oil refineries and infrastructure, were likely a show of strength by Kyiv ahead of negotiations. Russian authorities reported at least three fatalities and multiple injuries as a result of the strikes, which also caused brief disruptions at Moscow’s airports.
Despite the ceasefire talks, the battlefield remains active, with Russian forces continuing to advance in key areas. Ukraine has lost significant ground since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, with Moscow now occupying nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory. Putin has made clear his ambitions to gain full control over the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have sought to maintain their defensive positions while leveraging international support for military aid and strategic negotiations.
Beyond the ceasefire, the U.S. and Ukraine are also moving forward with a minerals-sharing agreement aimed at bolstering Kyiv’s economy. The deal, which had been a point of contention between Trump and Zelensky in previous talks, is now back on the table. The agreement is expected to provide the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare mineral resources while ensuring Ukraine’s long-term security and economic stability. This development reflects Washington’s broader strategy to support Ukraine beyond military aid, fostering economic resilience and reducing dependence on foreign powers.
While the minerals deal marks an important economic collaboration, security concerns remain a priority for Ukraine. Notably, the joint statement issued after the Saudi talks made no mention of explicit security guarantees for Ukraine, an issue Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized. According to Aljazeera’s reporting, Trump remains firmly opposed to providing formal security commitments, despite Kyiv’s requests for long-term assurances against future Russian aggression.
As diplomatic efforts continue, all eyes are now on Russia’s response. If Moscow declines the ceasefire, U.S. officials argue it would expose Russia as the primary obstacle to ending the war. A rejection from Putin could lead to renewed calls for increased military aid to Ukraine and potentially more aggressive economic sanctions against Russia.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, is expected to travel to Moscow in the coming days, potentially engaging in high-level talks with Russian officials, including Putin. His visit may provide further clarity on Moscow’s position and the likelihood of a ceasefire agreement.
Ultimately, the success of this initiative hinges on whether Putin views the ceasefire as a viable path toward negotiations or merely a temporary pause in hostilities. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can pave the way for peace or if the war will continue to escalate. As Ukraine and the U.S. push for an end to the fighting, the ball is now firmly in Russia’s court.