Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine is prepared to accept a 30-day ceasefire proposal, but emphasized that the United States must persuade Russia to agree to the terms as well.
The statement came following a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between senior US and Ukrainian officials earlier today.
During the meeting, Mr Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine has been seeking peace since the war’s inception and stressed the importance of securing peace in a way that ensures lasting stability. He added that achieving peace must be reliable ‘so that war does not return’.
The Ukrainian delegation proposed three key points in their discussions with US officials:
- Silence in the skies
- Silence at sea
- The release of prisoners of war and detainees
Mr Zelensky described the ceasefire proposal as a ‘positive step’ and confirmed that Ukraine is prepared to implement it immediately. He urged Russia to demonstrate its willingness to end the conflict or risk continuing the war.
“It is time for the full truth,” Mr Zelensky declared, adding that it is now the responsibility of the United States to convince Russia to agree. If Russia accepts, the ceasefire would take effect immediately.
Following the meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that America will now present the ceasefire proposal to Russia, stating that “the ball is in their court.”
He also revealed that former President Donald Trump has lifted the pause on aid and security assistance to Ukraine.
Mr Rubio added that Trump is eager to see the war end quickly, saying: “Trump wanted this war to end yesterday” and urged Russia to accept the ceasefire deal without delay.
“We’re going to tell them this is what’s on the table,” Mr Rubio stated. “Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. And now it’ll be up to them to say yes or no.”
“If they refuse, then we’ll know where the true obstacle to peace lies,” he added.
A joint statement released by the US and Ukrainian delegations confirmed plans to conclude a minerals deal “as soon as possible” after tensions arose from a highly confrontational White House meeting.
Reflecting on the discussions, Mr Zelensky described the talks with US officials as “good and constructive” and noted that the meeting lasted for most of the day.
He expressed gratitude to President Trump for facilitating what he described as a constructive conversation between their teams.
During the meeting, the US side proposed expanding the ceasefire’s scope to include:
- A 30-day full interim ceasefire
- Halting missile, drone, and bomb attacks
- Extending the ceasefire across the Black Sea and the entire front line
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the talks as a ‘remarkable breakthrough’ and congratulated President Trump and President Zelensky for their efforts.
“This is an important moment for peace in Ukraine, and we must now intensify efforts to secure a lasting and stable peace,” said Mr Starmer.
“As both American and Ukrainian delegations have said, the ball is now in Russia’s court. Russia must now agree to a ceasefire and put an end to the fighting as well,” he added.
