Ukraine Accepts US Proposal for 30-Day Ceasefire During Saudi Talks

Jeddah, March 12 (NationPress) Ukraine has indicated its willingness to embrace a US offer for an "immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire" following discussions with a US delegation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as stated in a joint announcement.

The declaration, which came after extensive consultations between senior officials from both nations, mentioned that the truce could be prolonged by mutual consent, emphasizing that "the United States will inform Russia that its reciprocal actions are crucial for achieving peace."

Washington has consented to "immediately resume intelligence sharing and security support for Ukraine," according to the statement, which also highlighted the significance of humanitarian relief efforts during the ceasefire period, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Moreover, negotiators agreed to establish teams to initiate discussions aimed at achieving a sustainable peace. The US reaffirmed its dedication to engaging with Russian representatives, while Ukraine stressed the necessity for European partners to be involved in the process, the statement indicated.

Furthermore, leaders from both nations resolved to finalize "as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine's critical mineral resources to bolster Ukraine's economy," the statement added.

This announcement followed a high-level assembly that included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

The Ukrainian delegation comprised President Volodymyr Zelensky's Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, among others. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and National Security Advisor Musaed bin Muhammad Al-Aiban also participated in the discussions.

At a press conference post-talks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism that Russia would accept the temporary ceasefire proposal with Ukraine.

He stated that Ukraine's commitment will "be communicated directly through various channels," including diplomatic avenues and conversations.

"The ball is in their court," Rubio remarked, adding that if the Kremlin dismisses the proposal, "then we will, unfortunately, know what the impediment is to peace here."

Zelensky characterized the meeting as "good and constructive" on the social media platform X. "If Russia consents, the ceasefire will be implemented immediately," he stated.

US President Donald Trump mentioned that he anticipates speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week and hopes that Russia will concur with the terms.

When queried about how close he believes Ukraine and Russia are to a total ceasefire, Trump replied, "I hope it'll be over the next few days."

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova informed Russian state news agencies, "We do not rule out contacts with US representatives within the next few days."

As per Russian media reports, Dmitry Peskov, press secretary for Putin, indicated that Moscow anticipated Washington would provide updates about the discussions with Ukraine, emphasizing that premature celebration should be avoided.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on X that the European Union welcomes the US-Ukraine discussions in Jeddah, including the ceasefire proposal and the resumption of US intelligence sharing and security assistance.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged European and NATO military leaders to devise a plan "to establish credible security guarantees" for Ukraine as peace talks progressed.