Ukraine agrees to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia amidst U.S. aid resumption. The discussions, held in Saudi Arabia, facilitated the lifting of military aid freezes, emphasizing mutual agreement for peace. Security guarantees and Ukraine’s mineral development are critical points in ongoing negotiations.
In recent discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine expressed its willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. This agreement was reached as the United States announced the lifting of a freeze on military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine. A joint statement emphasized that the ceasefire would only take effect upon mutual agreement from both parties, underscoring that Russian reciprocation is crucial for achieving lasting peace.
The discussions lasted over eight hours, involving Ukrainian officials and a U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The statement from the meeting asserted that the U.S. would promptly resume intelligence sharing and military assistance, which had been halted following a contentious meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump in February. The suspension of aid had placed Ukraine at a disadvantage amid ongoing conflict with Russia since its full-scale invasion in 2022.
It remains uncertain if Russia will agree to the proposed ceasefire. Steve Witkoff, a senior envoy for the Trump administration, plans to visit Russia soon to discuss peace negotiations. Both delegations from the U.S. and Ukraine agreed to designate negotiating teams and initiate talks to secure Ukraine’s long-term security, involving European partners in the peace discussions.
The joint statement also indicated that Trump and Zelenskyy are expected to finalize an agreement for the development of Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, aimed at bolstering the nation’s economy and ensuring future prosperity. With U.S. interests in Ukraine’s mineral wealth being a key focus, Zelenskyy appeared receptive to finalizing such agreements.
Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, articulated Ukraine’s readiness to pursue a peace deal with Russia, expressing the need for Western security guarantees to prevent future aggression. He underscored the necessity of initiating the peace process and the critical importance of security assurances for Ukraine’s future stability.
The recent discussions in Saudi Arabia have opened a pathway for potential peace between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine willing to accept a 30-day ceasefire contingent on mutual agreement. The U.S. has lifted restrictions on military aid and intelligence, seeking to support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. Key negotiations will involve securing Ukraine’s long-term security and economy, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in the peace process.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
