Ukraine accepts proposal for 30-day ceasefire as US restores aid

Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States, as both countries move toward restoring peace.

The announcement was made in a joint US-Ukraine statement on Tuesday after crucial peace talks held in Saudi Arabia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, noting it would cover the full front line of fighting, not just air and sea operations. The ceasefire will begin once Russia agrees to the terms, Zelensky emphasized.

“We consider this proposal positive and are ready to take this step. The United States must now convince Russia to follow through,” Zelensky said.

The United States, in turn, committed to immediately resuming intelligence sharing and security assistance with Ukraine, lifting the pause that had been in place for some time.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that Russia would respond positively to the ceasefire proposal. “The ball is now in their court,” Rubio said, referring to the Russian government.

The ceasefire, as stated in the joint statement, is an interim measure that could be extended by mutual agreement of both parties, with Russia's compliance being essential for lasting peace. The US also pledged to engage directly with Moscow to emphasize that their actions are crucial to achieving peace.

Zelensky outlined Ukraine's proposals as part of the ceasefire agreement, including measures to ensure “silence” in the sky and at sea, the release of Ukrainian prisoners, and the return of Ukrainian children from Russia.

These steps, according to Zelensky, are intended to build trust and pave the way for a more comprehensive peace agreement.

Furthermore, both sides agreed to expedite a deal involving Ukraine’s rare minerals, which aims to strengthen the Ukrainian economy and provide long-term security for the country.

The talks, which lasted for over eight hours, come as a significant development in the ongoing conflict, offering potential relief for Ukraine after tensions arose between President Donald Trump and President Zelensky just two weeks ago.

US State Department comments on progress

The US State Department on Tuesday stated that the Jeddah meeting made significant progress toward achieving peace in Ukraine. The US also confirmed that Ukraine had agreed to a 30-day ceasefire contingent on Russia's compliance.

The US also announced that Ukraine would form a team to begin immediate negotiations for a lasting peace deal, a major step toward resolving the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that the next move is now in Russia's hands, urging them to reciprocate and move toward ending the war.

Strategic minerals deal, diplomatic developments

In addition to the ceasefire, both parties agreed to work quickly on a deal to develop Ukraine’s critical rare minerals. The deal aims to boost Ukraine’s economy and ensure its long-term security.

As part of the broader diplomatic efforts, U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz stated that the US would soon reach out to Russia to discuss the ceasefire terms. "The question now is not if, but how the war in Ukraine will end," Waltz said, underlining the importance of Russia's actions in securing a peaceful resolution.