Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, brokered by the United States, on the condition that Russia also accepts the proposal, officials said on Tuesday.
The ceasefire plan, negotiated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, involves the U.S. immediately resuming intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine, which has been under Russian invasion for over three years. The U.S. had previously paused such assistance but lifted the suspension as part of the peace initiative.
“We’re ready to halt hostilities and engage in dialogue,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced after over seven hours of high-level negotiations between American and Ukrainian officials.
Minerals Deal
Both U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pledged to swiftly work toward a broader agreement aimed at developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, according to a joint statement issued by the two governments.
Zelenskyy emphasised that the ceasefire, if accepted by Russia, would apply to all forms of military aggression, including missile strikes, drone attacks, naval operations, and ground hostilities across the front line.
“Ukraine supports this initiative as a constructive step,” Zelenskyy said in a statement. “But achieving peace now hinges on Russia’s willingness to reciprocate. Should they agree, the ceasefire would take effect immediately.”
Immediate Peace Negotiations
Rubio underscored the U.S. commitment to brokering peace, stating, “The Ukrainians have accepted our offer for a ceasefire and immediate peace negotiations. Now, it’s Russia’s turn to decide whether peace is possible.”
The ceasefire, set for an initial 30 days, may be extended if mutually agreed upon, according to the joint statement. The U.S. delegation reaffirmed that securing Russia’s cooperation would be crucial to ensuring lasting peace.
Kyiv’s Stance Remains ‘Unchanged’
Zelenskyy, in his nightly address, reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to ending the war. “Our stance remains unchanged: We have always sought peace and will continue doing everything possible to achieve it swiftly and permanently,” he said.
The two delegations also discussed humanitarian priorities, including prisoner-of-war exchanges, the release of detained civilians, and the return of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia during the conflict. These measures, according to the statement, would be prioritised during the ceasefire.
“The next step lies with Russia,” Rubio said. “We’ve paved the way for peace — now it’s up to them to meet us halfway.”
