Ukraine Backs U.S. Proposal for 30-Day Ceasefire, Agrees to Negotiations with Russia

Ukraine has endorsed an American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and has agreed to immediate negotiations with Russia. The talks, held in Jeddah on Tuesday, marked a pivotal moment after three years of relentless conflict.

This development comes shortly after a tense meeting between Ukrainian and American officials, following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent friction with the White House.

During the high-level discussions—the first of their kind since Zelensky’s public disagreement with Washington—the United States pledged to restore military aid to Ukraine.

In addition, a deal on Ukrainian minerals, deemed crucial for global supply chains, is set to be finalized “as soon as possible,” according to a joint statement released after the meeting.

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the ceasefire proposal, stating, “Today, we made an offer that the Ukrainians have accepted—to enter into a ceasefire and immediate negotiations. Now, we will take this offer to Russia, and we hope they will say yes to peace. The ball is now in their court.”

The joint statement further clarified that Ukraine is ready to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which could be extended by mutual agreement. However, this is contingent upon Russia’s acceptance and implementation of the same terms. The U.S. emphasized that Russian reciprocity is essential for achieving lasting peace.

The peace talks in Saudi Arabia unfolded against the backdrop of escalating hostilities. Just hours before the negotiations, Ukraine launched its most extensive direct attack on Moscow, with hundreds of drones targeting the Russian capital and surrounding regions.

The assault, which resulted in three fatalities, was reportedly intended to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into considering an aerial and naval ceasefire.

Kyiv’s delegation arrived at the Jeddah meeting with a carefully crafted proposal for a sea and air ceasefire, an idea that U.S. officials, including Rubio, had cautiously welcomed. “We are ready to do everything in our power to achieve peace,” said Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, as he entered the negotiations at a luxury hotel in the Saudi city.

Meanwhile, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz signaled a shift in tone, suggesting that an end to the war was no longer a question of “if” but rather “how.” He confirmed that the U.S. would now present the proposal to Russia, underscoring that diplomacy remains the preferred path forward.

While the Ukrainian leadership remains committed to securing a ceasefire, some analysts see the drone strikes as a strategic move to force Putin’s hand.

Andriy Kovalenko, a national security official responsible for countering disinformation, commented, “This is an additional signal to Putin that he should also be interested in a ceasefire in the air.”

As the world watches closely, the question remains—will Russia reciprocate? The next few days will be critical in determining whether this ceasefire marks the first step toward ending a devastating war or just another fleeting diplomatic effort in an ongoing conflict.

The agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. signals a renewed push for peace and stability, but much hinges on Russia’s response. If the ceasefire is accepted, it could pave the way for broader negotiations, potentially shifting the trajectory of the war.

However, if Russia rejects the offer, the conflict may continue to escalate, with even greater consequences for both nations and the international community.